Educator's work completed years after his death

Xue Gang carried on writing, standing on the shoulders of master Lin Handa. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Lin's writing is precise in historical fact and highly readable in language, which I continued," Xue said.

Xue also continues the structure of telling stories and having them revolve around one thread, like making a necklace with many beads, he said.

"The collection is not only history books, but also an entertaining fictional read," president of the publishing group Li Xueqian said.

Li believes there must be something special about the country's history that makes Chinese culture last thousands of years.

"I hope our young readers grow up to be Chinese people with roots they will feel proud of as they travel the world," Li said.