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An Encyclopaedia on Chinese History and Literature
Tongjian zonglei 通鑒總類 "The Comprehensive Mirro arranged in general categories" is a rearranged excerpt of the universal history Zizhi tongjian 資治通鑒 compiled by the Southern Song-period 南宋 (1127-1279) historian Shen Shu 沈樞 (late 12th cent.).
The 20-juan long Tongjian zonglei imitates the structure of the policital encyclopaedia Cefu yuangui 冊府元龜 and arranges teachings from history as displayed in Sima Guang's 司馬光 (1019-1086) Zizhi tongjian according to 271 politial topics and themes. Inside the various chapters, the historic examples are arranged chronologically.
The earliest surviving print dates from 1363, and there are two prints from the Ming period 明 (1368-1644). The Tongjian zonglei is included in the imperial series Siku quanshu 四庫全書.