Researchers from Nanjing University collected material from eight countries and unearthed previously untapped material from diaries, news reports and oral histories, when researching the books.
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The three volumes are by far the most comprehensive presentation of the 1937 tragedy, which led 300,000 people dead.
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Zhang Xianwen, a history professor with Nanjing University and leader of the research team, said he hopes the books will help establish a "sensible understanding" of the past.
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"We chose to work on the complete history to truthfully reflect what happened," Zhang said.
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The 1,000+ page books explore the ordinary lives of the citizens at the time and the international response to the tragedy.
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They also detail how the city reacted to the massacre, detailing information of burials and charity work.
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Zhang and his team spent more than 10 years studying the Nanjing Massacre. In 2010, they released 72 source books.
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Bu Ping, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said their endeavor is important.
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"The Nanjing Massacre is now deeply associated with politics, people's emotions and different academic views. But this compilation has revealed the must-know basics. Their efforts are much appreciated," Bu said.
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Professor Zhang said the team worked to uncover the truth.
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"Our study will stand the test of time," he said. A translation of the books into English and Japanese is under way.