The book "An Historical Sketch of Chinese Historiography" by Liu Xinwu provides a comprehensive overview of the development of historiography in China from ancient times to the present day. The author examines the evolution of historical writing and its impact on Chinese society, culture, and politics. The book covers various periods in Chinese history, including the imperial era, the republican period, and the communist era, and discusses how different historical events and figures have shaped the country's narrative. The book begins with an introduction to the concept of historiography and its significance in understanding the past, followed by a detailed analysis of the earliest recorded history in China during the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE). The author explores the development of historical writing during the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE), and the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE), highlighting the contributions of notable historians such as Sima Qian and Ibn Khaldun. The book also delves into the impact of Western influence on Chinese historiography during the Ming dynasty (1368-16444 CE) and the Qing dynasty (1644-1912 CE), noting how these influences affected the interpretation of Chinese history.

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