Kojongjo chinsin yuhyŏllok 高宗朝縉紳儒賢錄 [Register of Eminent Officials and Virtuous Scholars during the Reign of King Gojong]
66; 76 folding leaves. Two kwŏn in two volumes. Small folio (305 x 202 mm.), orig. semi-stiff wrappers, new stitching. Naju: Sanggyŏngjae 尙經齋, 1936.
First edition of this lithographically printed work, an essential register of distinguished Confucian scholars, military generals, and eminent officials during the reign of King Kojong (1852-1919; r. 1864–1907). As an exhaustive compilation of the achievements and contributions of key figures in late Chosŏn intellectual and official circles, this book provides important reference for the study of modern Korean history.
Its compilation and publication in 1936 reflects a broader effort in Korea during the Japanese colonial period (1910-45) to preserve, document, and assert national identity through the commemoration of “virtuous” figures and traditional institutions from the recent past. The emphasis on scholarly and familial lineages upholding Confucian values of loyalty and filial piety from the era under the final monarch of a sovereign Korean state aimed to provide models of moral conduct, maintain a record of indigenous achievement, and offer a source of continued pride for an old Korean elite facing rapid cultural and political change.
Not much is known about the compiler, Song Hyŏn-su. His Preface discusses the register’s extensiveness and why such records are important: “During the fifty years of King Kojong’s reign, from high ministers down to humble officials, all ranks are included in detail, making them accessible for reference. Both civil and military officials of the three main classes, whether serving at court or in the provinces, are all accounted for in this compilation; a thorough reading of this register leaves nothing omitted or confused. Since time passes and generations fade, it would be regrettable if the families of scholar-officials were unable to preserve their lineage — hence, it is imperative that such records be compiled.”
There is an additional Preface written by a former Chosŏn official and historian Yoon Young-gu 尹寗求 (1868-1941). He reminisces: “During the ten years of meritorious service in King Kojong’s reign, many rose to high rank — such loyalty and prominence were not unseen. Yet, ever since laying down my bow, I have lived humbly as a commoner, occasionally gazing upon the royal palace and, unaware, sighing deeply with nostalgia.”
Fine set and rare. WorldCat lists the Harvard copy only.
First edition of this lithographically printed work, an essential register of distinguished Confucian scholars, military generals, and eminent officials during the reign of King Kojong (1852-1919; r. 1864–1907). As an exhaustive compilation of the achievements and contributions of key figures in late Chosŏn intellectual and official circles, this book provides important reference for the study of modern Korean history.
Its compilation and publication in 1936 reflects a broader effort in Korea during the Japanese colonial period (1910-45) to preserve, document, and assert national identity through the commemoration of “virtuous” figures and traditional institutions from the recent past. The emphasis on scholarly and familial lineages upholding Confucian values of loyalty and filial piety from the era under the final monarch of a sovereign Korean state aimed to provide models of moral conduct, maintain a record of indigenous achievement, and offer a source of continued pride for an old Korean elite facing rapid cultural and political change.
Not much is known about the compiler, Song Hyŏn-su. His Preface discusses the register’s extensiveness and why such records are important: “During the fifty years of King Kojong’s reign, from high ministers down to humble officials, all ranks are included in detail, making them accessible for reference. Both civil and military officials of the three main classes, whether serving at court or in the provinces, are all accounted for in this compilation; a thorough reading of this register leaves nothing omitted or confused. Since time passes and generations fade, it would be regrettable if the families of scholar-officials were unable to preserve their lineage — hence, it is imperative that such records be compiled.”
There is an additional Preface written by a former Chosŏn official and historian Yoon Young-gu 尹寗求 (1868-1941). He reminisces: “During the ten years of meritorious service in King Kojong’s reign, many rose to high rank — such loyalty and prominence were not unseen. Yet, ever since laying down my bow, I have lived humbly as a commoner, occasionally gazing upon the royal palace and, unaware, sighing deeply with nostalgia.”
Fine set and rare. WorldCat lists the Harvard copy only.
Details
Title
Kojongjo chinsin yuhyŏllok 高宗朝縉紳儒賢錄 [Register of Eminent Officials and Virtuous Scholars during the Reign of King Gojong]
Author
SONG, Hyŏn-su 宋顯洙
Condition
Unknown