Related introduction:

The history of books is closely related to the development of writing, language, literature, art, technology and science. It can be traced back to the inscriptions on stones, wood, pottery, bronzes, palm leaves, bones, birch bark and so on. The use of papyrus greatly promoted the development of books.

Around the 30th century BC, Egyptian papyrus scrolls appeared, which was the earliest embryonic form of Egyptian books. The papyrus scroll is closer to the concept of modern books than the clay tablets of Sumer, Babylon, Assyria and Hittite.

The earliest official book in China was The Concise Strategy, which appeared around the 8th century BC. Du Yu in the Western Jin Dynasty said in the Preface to the Spring and Autumn Classics: "The book of great events is based on policy, and the small things are simple."

Before the invention of paper, bamboo slips were the main form of books in China. Bamboo and wood are cut into long and narrow bamboo chips or wood chips, which are collectively called Jane, and slightly wider rectangular wood chips are called "squares". Some abridged versions are called "strategies" (volumes), also called "simple strategies", and the pimps or ropes used for weaving are called "weaving".

The rare books in the Palace Museum are excellent books written and read by emperors and members of the royal family. They have never been exhibited at home and abroad, and many of them are rare books kept in the palace.

These rare books, with excellent editions and exquisite binding, have distinctive court features and occupy an important position in the history of China culture, books and editions.