Wǔ jīng zǒng yào 武經總要
Comprehensive Essentials of Military Classics imperially commissioned; compiled by 曾公亮 (Zēng Gōngliàng, 998–1078, 宋, 奉敕撰) and 丁度 (Dīng Dù, 990–1053, 宋, 奉敕撰)
About the work
A 40-juan Northern-Sòng comprehensive imperial military encyclopedia, commissioned by Rénzōng in Bǎoyuán 1 (1038) and completed Qìnglì 4 (1044). The work is the most comprehensive premodern Chinese military reference work — covering classical military theory, weapons technology, fortification, troop deployment, signals and communications, frontier strategy, supply systems, and astrological-divinatory military practice. Distinguished by extensive tú (illustrations) of military equipment, formations, and engineering — making the work one of the principal pre-modern Chinese illustrated technical references. Substantively the work synthesises the Wǔ jīng qī shū tradition (canonised under Shénzōng a generation later) with detailed practical-administrative material.
Abstract
The Wǔ jīng zǒng yào is the comprehensive Northern-Sòng imperial military encyclopedia. Composition window: precisely datable. Commissioned 1038; completed 1044. The frontmatter brackets to 1038–1044.
The bibliographic record: Sòng shǐ yìwén zhì; Wényuāngé shūmù; SKQS Zǐbù — Bīngjiā lèi.
Translations and research
- Joseph Needham, Science and Civilisation in China vol. 5 — extensive use of the Wǔ jīng zǒng yào for premodern Chinese military technology.
- Standard modern Chinese reproductions of the SKQS WYG.