The Book of Wei, also known as Wei Shu, is a historical text composed in the Chinese language during the Northern Wei Dynasty. In IPA phonetic transcription, the spelling of Wei Shu would be [weɪ ʃu]. The phonetic transcription accurately represents the pronunciation of the word. The book mainly covers the history of the Wei Dynasty, its political evolution, military campaigns, cultural and ethnic diversity, and many other aspects of the Wei kingdom. The Book of Wei is one of the outstanding Chinese historical texts and provides significant insight into the ancient Chinese civilization.
The "Book of Wei" refers to a historical text that is part of the "Twenty-Four Histories," a comprehensive collection of Chinese official historical records. Specifically, it is the historical records of the Wei dynasty (220–265 AD), which was one of the three kingdoms that emerged after the fall of the Han dynasty in ancient China.
The "Book of Wei" provides an account of important events, political developments, wars, reigns of emperors, significant figures, household registers, and genealogical records of the Wei dynasty. It offers valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of the time, shedding light on the power struggles, diplomacy, reforms, battles, governance, and cultural achievements of the Wei dynasty.
Authored by various historians over multiple generations, the "Book of Wei" follows a chronological order, beginning with the establishment of the dynasty and continues until its downfall. It aims to create an accurate and comprehensive account of the Wei dynasty, facilitating understanding of the period and serving as a reference for future generations.
The "Book of Wei" is a key historical source for scholars studying the Wei dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period as a whole. Its compilation and preservation contribute significantly to the understanding of Chinese history and the political dynamics of that era.