Abstract:

As a fine historical writing, it must be true, good and beautiful. The truth of history reflects not in concepts but in social phenomenon. It is the scholars who are independent, free from all the fetters, and fond of learning and deep thinking, for example, XU Xia-ke, that can make a true account of an era. A good historian should have a strong sense of social responsibility and spirit of deep reflection and criticism when the facts are fully revealed. He can go in and out of his studies. The science of history is a science of human beings. It can not be no feelings and emotions. It can not evade the feelings and emotions of a social community and an ethnic group. The appearance of Travels of XU Xia-ke supplies an example of a combination of liberal arts and history, a combination of science and history. The top goal of history is not a ture record but an objective lesson for people in future. The reason why XU Xia-ke wrote down his travel notes was that he considered them as a piece of immortal social work, not as a personal glory for the time being. Travels of XU Xia-ke, a most direct, true and active account of South China in the late Ming Dynasty, is a history in the form of travel notes. It is worthy of a true history.

Key words: Travels of XU Xia-ke, historical fact, historical talent, historical knowledge, historical value