The book that you are holding written by Phan Thuc Truc ( 1808 - 1852 ) - one of the most talented Confucianism and promising high ranking mandarin of the Nguyen Dynasty in the year of 1851 ( ? ). The book was translated by Do Mong Khuong, edited & annotated by Hoa Bang - the profound & prestigious confucianists and researchers of Vietnam ( North ) Institute for History in the year of 1968 of the last century for limited use. The book was not an official historic records of the Nguyen Dynasty ( 1802 - 1945 ). But it was one of the books of the most valuable supplementary materials for an official historic records of the Nguyen Dynasty such as: DAI NAM THUC LUC; DAI NAM LIET TRUYEN; DAI NAM CHINH BIEN LIET TRUYEN. At the same time, it provided a readership and research circle with unknown historic details & events and other useful knowledge ( including: Kings' edicts; decrees; diplomatic correspondents; tax policy; natural disasters; epidemic; legends; prose & poetry...). The book composed of 3 volumes: Vol. One: Biography & career of 15 forefathers of Nguyen Hoang ( 1515 - 1613 ) - the first Lord of the Nguyen Dynasty. Concise biography of father of Nguyen Anh ( 1762 - 1820 ) - the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty. The most important events & happenings that took place in the years of 1802 - 1819. Vol. Two: Presenting historic events & happenings that took place in the years of 1820 - 1840 under the reign of Minh Menh King. Vol. Three: Presenting historic events & happenings that took place in the years of 1841 - 1847 under the reign of Thieu Tri King. Despite the book was translated from original in Chinese script more 40 years ago, the copy that you are holding is of the first edition.