A New Translation of the Shih chi

Abstract

STUDENTS OF CHINESE antiquity have for some time been awaiting publication of Dr. Burton Watson's translations from Shih chi, whose appearance was foretold in same scholar's modest but useful volume on Ssu-ma Ch'ien.1 The results of Dr. Watson's labors are now available, and are sure to be of interest to all sinologists. It is not only to sinologists, however, that work is addressed, but also to the educated reader in general, according to one of editors of series of which these volumes form a part.2 A certain freedom has therefore been taken. Some situations in which translator has, by his own account, sacrificed strict fidelity to readability are mentioned in Introduction (1, 6-7). Professional scholars are likely to have reservations about certain of these liberties, and about others which will be mentioned below. In any case, they must admire perseverance and industry of translator in bringing to completion a task of this magnitude and his courage in tackling innumerable problems presented at every turn. The chronological scope of material translated is indicated by sub-titles of two volumes rather than by general title of work (see n. 1 above). Thus very large part of Shih chi which has to do with Ch'in and pre-Ch'in periods is omitted. It will be supposed that some account of this omitted material would be presented, together with indications as to where reader might turn for translations from it. In these respects uninitiated will remain entirely in dark. The parts of Shih chi dealing with pre-Han matters are dismissed in all too general terms (1, 4-5) as derivative and unreliable.