The first complete translation of Feng’s (1574-1646) Gukin xiaoshuo , a collection of 40 short stories first published in 1620 in China. They provide examples of early fiction and depict daily
life among a broad range of social classes. Scholars and courtesans, spirits and ghosts, Buddhist monks and nuns, pirates and emperors, and officials both virtuous and corrupt populate the
tales. The anthology is considered the best of the three he produced. Translators Shuhui Yang and Yunqin Yang include a substantial introduction with historical and literary background, a
chronology of Chinese dynasties, extensive notes, and a bibliography. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
