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For a governing class centered around the Manchu, the problem of how to establish a set of norms for a philosophy of dynastic founding and morality that was unique to their Ch'ing dynasty while also expressing the orthodox position in the cultural traditions of China was very important. From the reigns of the K'ang-hsi to Ch'ien-lung Emperors, a vast collection of books devoted to the Confucian classics, histories, philosophical writings, and literary works of various genres were printed. In addition to finding favor among scholarly circles, they more importantly reflected the diligence of Manchu rulers in preserving and fostering further developments in the traditions of Chinese culture and education. Worthy of particular mention is the Dynastic History of the Ming project, which took more than ninety years to complete. Not only does this demonstrate command to the right of historical interpretation, it also seems to proclaim the legitimate and orthodox status of the Ch'ing dynasty in the cultural lineage of China.
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The Thirteen Classics with Annotations and Commentary
1739-1747 Wu-ying Palace imprint, Ch'ing Dynasty
故殿020789-020896
This book combines the annotations and commentaries on the Confucian Classics before the Sung dynasty. It was edited and proofread starting from 1739 and completed in 1746. The entire book is composed of 348 chapters and an "Imperially Produced Preface to the Re-carving of the Thirteen Classics" appearing before chapter one. Printed in 1747, all the Classics and their commentaries have sentences and phrases added to them, making it very convenient to read.
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Dynastic History of the Ming
Written on imperial order by Chang T'ing-yü, et al., Ch'ing Dynasty
Yung-cheng era (1723-1735) Wu-ying Palace preliminary proof, Ch'ing Dynasty
故殿036487-036704
The fall of the Ming dynasty served as a strong reminder to the Ch'ing rulers about the fate of their own rule. Therefore, in compiling and editing the history of the Ming dynasty, Ch'ing scholars hoped to learn from history. With its exacting style in the editing of public and private events, this a masterpiece of historiographic book production.
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