錢鍾書早已是成名的文學家，然而自《管錐編》出版之後，其博學更震驚學界。他所提供的中西資料與寶貴的創見，足令所有的文史哲以及社會科學學者享用不盡。本文為研究錢氏史觀五篇之一，專注於錢氏所舉中國傳統史學五例。前四例涉及歷史文章與史學求真，可謂史學之體；第五例則有關史學之用。然本文不僅僅是釋錢，更欲將錢氏所提出的史學問題，推而廣之，盡量說明。結論是歷史文章可美，歷史真相可求，歷史可得善用。

　　　　　Qian Zhongshu had long been recognized as a great literary critic and novelist before th4e 1979 publication of the monumental Pipe-Awl Books (Guanzhui Bian) called the attention of learned communities at home and abroad to his vast learning in both Chinese and Western cultural traditions. His amazing erudition and penetrating insight dazzled serious scholars across the boundaries of professional disciplines. Philosophers, historians, political scientists, sociologists, psychologists, writers, and linguists all draw inspiration from his rich references and judicious comments, which are full of wit, wisdom, and vision. This essay is one of five studies on Qian's view of history. Qian ferrets out five thoughtful principles that compose the substance and function of traditional Chinese historiography. The first four principles touch upon two vital historiographical questions, namely, the style of historical writing and to what extent history can be truthful. The fifth principle is about the use of history. This essay , however, not only just to expound on Qian's thoughts but also amplifies the issues he raises. The conclusion is that historical narration can be beautiful, history can be truthful, and the use of history can be good to humanity.