New Book of Tang

The New Book of Tang differed dramatically from the older version in its organization and contents, in part due to the literary and philosophical inclinations of its chief compilers.

Ouyang Xiu frequently invoked the principle of reason in evaluating historical accounts, and purged all accounts containing elements of myth or superstition, thereby dramatically shortening many of the biographies of emperors and major figures.

The New Book of Tang was the first of the standard histories to include a treatise on selecting and appointing officials (選擧志).

This included a description of the examination system, which had become an increasingly important aspect of recruiting officials in the Tang, especially after 780.

For example, Woman Lu gouges her own eye out to assure her ailing husband that there will be no second man after him.