Biography of Li Gang
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Summary
Editor's review
The book's core value lies in its profound historical insight and balanced perspective. It affirms Li Gang's courage and integrity in standing forth at a moment of national peril, yet does not shy away from the possible strategic limitations and character weaknesses in his political practice, presenting a rounded, complex figure rather than a stereotyped one. Its incisive analysis of the political shifts under Emperors Qinzong and Gaozong and the intricate power struggles between the war and peace factions provides a key to understanding the political ecology of the early Southern Song. The writing is solid and compelling, with narrative and argument well combined, so that this heavy history reads with scholarly depth as well as a sense of tragic fate and intellectual stimulation. For readers who wish to go beyond the binary narrative of "loyal and treacherous" and understand the spiritual world and historical dilemmas of Song scholar-officials, this is a fine work worth reading closely.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Readers interested in the history of the Northern and Southern Song transition, especially the Jingkang Incident and the founding of the Southern Song
- Readers who wish to understand the conflict between the political ideals and practical experience of ancient Chinese scholar-officials
- Readers who enjoy biography, especially deep psychological and fateful analysis grounded in solid sources
- Those who reflect on the connection between individual choices and national destiny at historical turning points
Not a good fit for
- Readers seeking light entertainment or novelistic legends
- Readers who want only a simple overview of historical events and are uncomfortable with extensive source analysis and political discussion
Reading tips
- While reading, consult a map alongside the military situation of the late Northern Song and Li Gang's defensive arrangements to enhance spatial understanding.
- Pay attention to the book's quotations and analysis of Li Gang's memorials, which are core materials for understanding his political thought.
- Compare Li Gang's fate with that of contemporaries such as Yue Fei and Zong Ze to glimpse the full picture of the era.
About the publisher
Shanghai Classics Publishing House is a professional publisher centered on the collation of ancient texts and academic research works. Its publishing areas cover historical readings, classical poetry, folk literature, literary appreciation, canonical works, and Eastern philosophy. Its books include Chen Yinke's A Brief Discussion of the Origins of the Sui and Tang Institutions, Xin Qiji's Chronological Annotated Edition of Jiaxuan's Ci (Simplified Edition), Tang Xianzu's The Peony Pavilion, Liu Xie's The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons, as well as New Annotations to Three Hundred Tang Poems (Collector's Edition), Annotated Edition of Han Changli's Collected Works (Simplified Edition, 3 volumes), and Youyang Zazu. Its authors include Chen Yinke, Xin Qiji, Tang Xianzu, Liu Xie, Deng Guangming, Hengtang Tuishi, Han Yu, and Ma Qichang. In terms of publishing characteristics, the house emphasizes collation, annotation, and compilation of ancient texts alongside academic research works, and continues to issue simplified and collector's editions that balance scholarship and accessibility. Public information about the publisher's fuller publishing profile is limited.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 前言
- 第一章 家世、科举、入仕
- 第二章 直言论政
- 《理财论》
- 论水灾罢言职
- 为镇压方腊起义献计献策
- 《制虏论》
- 《御戎论》
- 第三章 保卫东京
- 金兵南犯
- 刺臂上疏
- 三次拦驾
- 仓卒而守围城
- 力排和议
- 陈东伏阙上书
- 翦除奸佞
- 第四章 第二次罢官
- 献计防金
- 身遭诋毁
- 援救太原
- “靖康”之耻
- 第五章 再度起用
- 北上途中
- 邀说十议
- 第六章 为相七十五天
- 相信民心可用
- 荐用人才
- 请立沿河江淮帅府
- 募兵买马，劝民出财
- 修明军法，整肃军纪
- 罢相贬职
- 第七章 流放四年
- 投闲置散
- “不辞羸病卧残阳”
- 移居澧州
- “时危念人杰”
- 对国势深感忧虑
- 伏读三月六日内禅诏书有感
- 放还任便居住
- 第八章 闲居与起用
- 尊为“芝城”之父
- 平定“游寇”与“军贼”
- 在潭州任上
- 闲居不忘国事
- 江西救荒
- 第九章 忧愤以殁
- 附录：生平大事年表
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About the author
Public information about He Shengxiang is currently limited. All that is known is that he works mainly in biographical writing, and one work by him is included in the collection: The Biography of Li Gang. The book falls under the general category of biography and recounts the life of Li Gang, a prominent official of the Song dynasty. During the transition between the Northern and Southern Song, Li Gang advocated strong resistance against the Jin and opposed peace negotiations, making him a representative figure of the pro-war camp; his career rose and fell several times, and his official path was full of setbacks. Choosing such a figure for a biography shows that the author pays attention to the choices and circumstances of scholar-officials at turning points in history. Judging from the available material, He Shengxiang's writing emphasizes the organization of historical facts and the restoration of the subject's image, placing him within his specific political environment and historical context rather than dwelling on anecdotes. Because information about the author's life, nationality, dates of birth and death, education, and other writings cannot be verified, this entry can only briefly describe the subject matter and orientation of the work; fuller author information remains to be supplied.
