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One of the most eminent statesmen and writers of China, and as a historian second only to Sze-ma Ts'ien; born in 1009; died 1086. He is renowned as the author of "The Comprehensive Mirror of History", in 294 books, the labor of nineteen years. It covers a period from the beginning of the fourth century B. C. to 960 A. D.

Author of the first general history of China; born at Lung-Mun, in what is now the province of Ho-nan, about 163 B. C. He died in disgrace, about 85 B. C. In 110 B. C. he succeeded his father, Sze-ma T'an, as grand recorder and astronomer, and took up the historical work begun by him. It was finished in 91 B. C., and was named "Shihki", or Historical Records. It covers from 2697 to 104 B. C. He is also noted for reforming the calendar. The chronology settled on by him still prevails in China.