Liu Zhi-ji's Contrastive Studies on Historical Records and History of the Han Dynasty

Liu Zhi ji was the first one who made contrastive studies most systematically on Historical Records and History of the Han Dynasty. His research covered the objectives and value of the historiography, historical compilation, language, and stylistics. In his research, there were positive attitudes towards both Historical Records and History of the Han Dynasty. However, it is quite obvious that he was in favor of Ban Gu, the writer of the latter, instead of Sima Qian, the writer of the former. His research is of creative value and worthy of our reference.