Book of Zhou
Many histories of previous dynasties were compiled between 636 and 659 by court officials during and shortly after the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang. These included the "Book of Liang", "Book of Chen", "Book of Northern Qi", "Book of Zhou", "Book of Sui", "Book of Jin", "History of Northern Dynasties" and the "History of Southern Dynasties". Although not included in the official "Twenty-Four Histories", the "Tongdian" and "Tang Huiyao" were nonetheless valuable written historical works of the Tang period. The "Shitong" written by Liu Zhiji in 710 was a meta-history, as it covered the history of Chinese historiography in past centuries until his time. The "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions", compiled by Bianji, recounted the journey of Xuanzang, the Tang era's most renowned Buddhist monk.