An Annotated Genealogy of the Royal Clan of Ch'u in the Ch'un Ch'iu Period

Extract

In doing research on the social history of the Ch'un Ch'iu period, one is constantly confronted by the problem of identifying the lineage affiliation of individuals and their genealogical relationships. These matters are treated in the commentaries in most, but not all cases; yet, there are frequent differences of opinion which the reader will be left unaware of if he reads the text with only, for instance, the Tu Yü commentary at hand. Moreover, one inevitably looses track of the genealogical relationships unless the reading is done in conjunction with one or another of the available genealogical charts. And even this does not solve all of the problems, for the genealogical charts are at odds with each other at many points. It has, therefore, become apparent to me that it would be of great assistance to students of this period to have available a reference which would bring together the data from the major sources in one place, and which would show their agreement or disagreement.

The present effort is an experiment in fulfilling this need. I have chosen the state of Ch'u because it is obvious that the commentators have had the most difficulties with this state. Since what follows is the result of tedious labor which I would not wish to continue if others do not find it of value, I would greatly appreciate reader response both as to its general usefulness and as to the format.