The authorship of the Book of Documents is traditionally attributed to Confucius, who is said to have compiled and edited the collection. However, modern scholars believe that the text was actually composed by multiple authors over a long period of time, with additions and revisions throughout Chinese history.
Here's a breakdown of the authorship:
* Confucius: While he didn't write the original texts, he is credited with compiling and editing the collection, selecting and organizing the documents. He also is said to have authenticated their authenticity.
* Ancient Scribes and Officials: The original documents themselves were most likely written by ancient scribes and officials, recording historical events, speeches, and pronouncements.
* Later Authors: The text was expanded and revised over centuries, with later authors adding new material or altering existing sections.
So, while Confucius plays a significant role in the transmission and preservation of the Book of Documents, attributing the entire work to him alone is not entirely accurate.