Abstract: The Historical Form, as one of the established forms of historical works, originated from Historical Records by Shi Maqian. After that, a consistent imitation and research of many historians made it develop greatly both in connotation and in function, thus setting up the tradition of application and research for the Historical Form. And during the process, appeared a series of theories about its compiling and application. Especially in the Qing Dynasty, they were so considerable that the interpretation, research and compilation of historical forms became most striking. It is necessary for today's compiling of historical books to give a summary of their experience of the compilation and application of the theories.

Key words: the Historical Form, tradition, Qing Dynasty, Historical Records