The Significant policies under Minh Menh reign (Minh Mệnh chính yếu) was compiled by the Historical Office of Nguyen Dynasty in the 18th year of Minh Menh reign (1837). It recorded major policies exercised at that time. As a rule, major events were recorded in details while minor ones were recorded briefly. The compilation of the book set was completed for examine in the 21st year of Minh Menh reign (1840).
In term of format, the book set was structured in matters, each book was divided in to chapters. Regarding the content, the book recorded essential policies and things that were implemented under the reign of Emperor Minh Menh in many fields such as court activities, criminal law, music ceremonies, diplomacy, security, reclamation, etc. The book set was carved on woodblocks in the 9th year of Thanh Thai reign (1897).
The National Archives Center No. 4. keeps 403 woodblocks of this book set.
