This study aims to conduct a bibliographical examination of Ginyeon Aram (紀年兒覽), an educational text for children from the Joseon dynasty. It reviews previous studies on the extant editions of Ginyeon Aram, and investigates the compilation records of the text, surveys and analyzes the extant copies, and conducts a comparative and genealogical analysis between Ginyeon Aram and Ginyeon Pyeollam (紀年便覽).
By examining the compilation records of Ginyeon Aram, this study identifies the draft prepared by Yi Man-un (李萬運) under the title Ginyeon Aram (also titled Zhongguo Dongfang Ginyeon Aram, 中國東方紀年牙覽), the revised and augmented edition by Yi Deok-mu (李德懋) entitled Revised and Augmented Ginyeon Aram (修增紀年兒覽), including its seven sections and the structure of two volumes, as well as the conferral of the title Ginyeon Pyeollamby King Gojong and the later compilation by Kim Se-gyun (金世均).
Through a survey and examination of extant copies of Ginyeon Aram held in Korea and abroad, the existing editions are classified into three types: the two-volume edition, the seven-volume edition, and the eight-volume edition. An analysis of differences in catalog entries, textual notation, and the scope of contents shows that the two-volume edition belongs to the lineage of Ginyeon Aram cotained in Cheongjanggwan Jeonseo (靑莊館全書), vols. 25-26, preserved at the University of California, Berkeley Library (ASAMI 24-2). The seven-volume and eight-volume editions, on the other hand, are identified as belonging to the lineage of K2-38=01 among the two extant copies of Ginyeon Pyeollam preserved in the Jangseogak Archives (K2-38=01, K2-38=03).
In addition, by comparing the Berkeley collection of Ginyeon Aram and the two Jangseogak collections of Ginyeon Pyeollam, this study examines differences in catalog entries, textual notation, and contents between Ginyeon Aram and Ginyeon Pyeollam. It also reveals that additional compilation of Ginyeon Pyeollam took place after the establishment of the Korean Empire in 1897.
Based on the analysis of the compilation records, the survey of extant copies, the structure and scope of contents, and a comparative examination of Ginyeon Aram (ASAMI 24-2) and Ginyeon Pyeollam (K2-38=01, K2-38=03), this study clarifies the textual lineage of Ginyeon Aram.