《左传》成书上下限推考

On the Upper Limit and Lower Limit of Zuo Zhuan's Writing

综观历代诸家研究和论证,《左传》成书战国说至少在史事叙述、天文记载、群籍称引、辞令、预言等方面有比较坚实的理致和证据。《左传》于卫嗣君五年(前320年)仍未写定,这是《左传》成书时代的上限。纯集疏《左传》卜筮事的《师春》既在魏襄王殉葬物之列,则资其抄集的《左传》至迟亦当在襄王卒年(前296年)写定亦甚明。概而言之,《左传》成书于前320年至前296年之间。《左传》作者最大可能是鲁人,还应与魏国有着深切的关系。

Having a comprehensive survey on scholars＇ research and proof in the previous dynasties, we can see the Warring States, at least recorded the history events, the events of astronomy, quotations of all kinds of books, language appropriate to the occasion ,and prediction. ＂Zuo Zhuan＂ did not oppear before the 5th Year of Wei Sijun （320 B. C. ）. What Shi Chun transcribed purely from Zuo Zhuan was the Wei Xiangwang＇ s funeral object. Therefore, Zuo Zhuan was written in the year of Wei Xiangwang＇ s death （296 B. C. ）. Generally speaking, Zuo Zhuan was written between 320 B. C. to 296 B. C.. Zuo Zhuan＇ s author was a person from the Lu State and had close relations with the Wei State.