Jachitonggam Gwon131~135, 246~250

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1281-2

Category

Books & Records

Era

1436년(세종18) 추정

Designated year

2012

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 종로구 새문안로 55-0 (신문로2가, 서울역사박물관)

Coordinates

37.570497, 126.971075Kakao address conversion

Jachi tonggam (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government), or Zizhi tongjian in Chinese, was written by a Song historian named Sima Guang (1019-1086) to provide rulers with examples on the varying fortunes of a state with respect to politics and military matters in particular, and was regarded by the ruling class of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) as an essential reference work for effective rule of their kingdom. This particular edition of the book was compiled by King Sejong with the assistance of a group of distinguished scholar-statesmen in his government who regularly gathered at Sajeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace to offer him their views and advice. The book was then attached with introductions written by some of these scholars, including Yu Ui-son, Yun Hoe, Gwon Do, Seol Sun, and Kim Mal, printed in 1436 (the 18th year of King Sejong’s reign) using the original Gabin Types, and distributed to government officials serving in and outside the capital. That the successful compilation of the book was greatly indebted to the annotations and editing of the scholars gathered at Sajeongjeon Hall is reflected in the book’s other title, Jachi tonggam Sajeongjeon hunui (Contemporary Interpretation of Zizhi Tongjian at Sajeongjeon Hall). While there are only ten volumes of two books remaining today, the book is regarded as a very valuable asset not only because it is one of those printed at the Type Foundry using the original Gabin Types, which are extremely rare, but also because it has been comparatively well preserved it its original condition. Historians agree that this book constitutes a valuable material for studies of history, politics, administration, bibliography, and, above all, the development of movable metal types during the early Joseon Period.

Location