Probing the Subtleties of Ancient History

Old History Explored is the culmination of Yang Kuan's scholarly thought in his later years, distilling decades of deep reflection on pre-Qin history. This book is not a simple collection of papers but an organic whole formed after the author's systematic reorganization, revision, and supplementation, centrally presenting Yang Kuan's latest views on core issues such as the periodization of ancient history, ancient social structure, and the historicization of myths and legends. The discussion of the nature of Western Zhou society is especially compelling: combining bronze inscriptions, bamboo and wooden slips, and transmitted texts, Mr. Yang advances a distinctive "early feudal system" view, which differs both from the traditional "slave society" theory and from Western classical feudal theory, embodying a self-conscious localization of Chinese ancient history research. Methodologically, the book demonstrates a mature application of the "dual evidence method", valuing both critical examination of transmitted texts and active incorporation of archaeological discoveries, grounding ancient history research in solid empirical evidence. Reading this book, readers will not only gain a systematic understanding of key issues in pre-Qin history but also learn the complete thought process of a rigorous historian—how to pose questions, analyze materials, and construct arguments. For readers hoping to understand deeply the origins and early development of Chinese civilization, this book is an indispensable classic.