Abstract: Since the transformation of historical paradigm in the early 20^th century, the fashion of historiography had tended to focus on the research of specialized histories. However, LÜ Si-mian claimed that the academic research should be shifted from extensiveness to specialization, and the research of histories of particular periods and general history were both important. During this period, the compilation of general history of China sought innovations and characteristics, therefore a variety of different styles of writings appeared. LÜ Si-mian focused on the study of social conditions and his books were characterized by comprehensiveness, closeness, plainness and strictness. As for researching and compiling methods, he could not only adopt modern scientific knowledge, but also follow and develop traditional methods, which leaded to his accomplishment of general history of China based on his profound scholarship.

Key words: LÜ Si-mian, general history of China, compilation