Cyril Birch

This book is a selection of Chinese storyteller's tales from a Ming-era collection. I found it to be an interesting look into the culture and values of the time, though some of the stories felt lackluster or failed to resonate with me. Standouts were "The Canary Murders", a realistic crime story, and "The Pearl-Sewn Shirt", a tale of adultery. A good choice for readers interested in sampling stories from a far-off time and place.

This is a terrific starting point for people who want to read some Chinese literature from the past. The stories are short and light. The characters and their setting come from the late Ming dynasty, a time when old traditions were beginning to fade, yet Chinese culture would continue to emerge. Ghosts, food, sex, friendship, and justice, from Feng Menglong in 1624, read all about it!

An interesting selection of mostly non-religious Chinese literature (or at least not originally produced for a religious purpose).

Interesting as it discusses drama by an evil courtier who is a villain in Peach Blossom Fan, wasting Ming resources on drama as the Manchus conquered China.