Liu Zhiji

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Liu Zhiji (661–721), courtesy name Zixuan, was a Chinese historian and politician of the Tang dynasty. He was born near modern Xuzhou in Jiangsu. His father, Liu Zangqi, and his elder brother, Liu Zhirou, were officials known for their literary writing. Liu earned his imperial examination degree in 680 and began working on court projects in 699. In 708 he resigned from official duties and began compiling Shitong, his famous historical work. Scholar Stephen W. Durrant describes him as one of ancient China’s most critical and brilliant readers, noting that Liu criticized Sima Qian’s verbose style and argued for separating closely related chronological accounts.