The Qinshi 琴史 (History of the Qin) compiled by Song dynasty scholar Zhu Changwen 朱長文 (1041-1098) stands as the earliest known work that primarily focuses on the historical aspects of the Chinese zither qin. Comprising 146 entries, this work meticulously
presents biographies of individuals associated with the qin, from ancient times to the Northern Song dynasty (11th century). The author, Zhu Changwen, meticulously selected and arranged the biographies in this work, adhering to a chronological order while
considering their musical relevance and adherence to Confucian values. From the first to the fifth chapter, esteemed individuals such as legendary emperors, transcendent immortals, renowned literati, and reclusive hermits are included, each playing a significant role in the intricate narrative of qin-related history. The sixth and final chapter of the work delves into the theoretical aspects of qin music; within its eleven sections, various topics pertaining to the instrument are explored, including its construction, materials used, symbolic associations with different tones and pitches, tuning of the strings, and diverse playing styles. This first translation of the Qinshi into a Western language presents a detailed analysis of these sources, shedding further light on the theoretical foundations of qin music.