清代普及性史籍《鉴撮》析论

A Study of the Popularity History Book JIANCUO of Qing Dynasty

旷敏本《鉴撮》一书,是清代很有特色的普及性史籍,从乾隆年间到清季起多次刊刻,广为流传。全书以历代帝王为纲叙述史事,起于上古,直至明末,简明扼要,适于童蒙及初学者。该书以自觉地普及历史知识为主旨,且不乏经世意念,体式、内容都有出新之处,特别是书中夹注,内容丰富、多样,与正文配合。而为了加强趣味性,书中也载有不实传说及神怪异事,是为缺陷。其历史观念间有与官方违背之处,居然得以逃出文网,未成禁书,这很值得玩味。对《鉴撮》的研讨,可为今天撰写历史普及之作提供借鉴。

The book JIANCUO by Kuang Minben was a popularity history book in Qing Dynasty. From the Qianlong Period to the end of Ming Dynasty, the book was published many times and was read widely. The book covers the historical events from ancient times to the end of Ming Dyasty, focus on the emperors. The narration is concise and to the point, suitable for the children and beginners to read. The book aims both at popularizing historical knowledge and at emphasizing statecraft. There is much new in its content and style, especially the variety of notes supporting the text. What is deficient with the book is that it contains many legends and stories about gods and spirits for the sake of being interesting. Not uninterestingly, the book escaped being banned in spite of some offending remarks against officials. The research of JIANCUO may benefit the writing of popularity history works.