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| Classic Chinese Short Stories, Volume 1 (Unabridged) |
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| China has been a wellspring of storytelling for over 2,000 years. Sadly, this fantastic literature is little known in the west outside the halls of academia, though a handful of recent 20th century authors have attained a respectable following. The stories in this volume date from the sixth century A.D. to the early part of the 20th century, and will give the listener a good feel for the subject. Astonishingly, the Chinese enjoyed from the earliest times many of the genres we take for granted today, from romance and love to adventure and satire.<P>There are seven stories in Volume 1.<P>In "The White Monkey," by Anonymous, a general's honor and self respect are on the line when his wife is kidnapped.<br>"The Jade Goddess," retold by Lin Yu Tang, is like a fine piece of exquisite porcelain. This wonderful story from the 6th century is a thing of delicate beauty. Will an artist put aside his creative gifts for the sake of love?<br>"The Canary Murders," by Feng Meng-lung, is a twelfth century forerunner ofthe detective story which attempts to sort out a string of mysterious deaths.<br>"The Book Worm," by P'u Sung-ling is a humorous satire about a bibliophile who suddenly finds love.<br>In "K'ung I-Chi," by Lu Hsun, an old-fashioned scholar loses his way in life.<br>In "Mr. Pan In Distress," by Yeh Shao-Chun, war threatens the settled life of a provincial educator.<br>"Intoxicating Spring Nights," by Yu Ta-fu, is a look at the effects of a newly industrialized society. |
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