Books by Cao Xueqin
The Story of the Stone (also called Dream of the Red Chamber)
by Cao Xueqin
Pictured is Volume 1 of a 5-volume set.
“This book is believed by many to be the greatest Chinese novel ever written. For me, it is like a bible for everything to do with Chinese culture. Cao belonged to the Han Chinese clan and the book is a huge family novel written in the 18th century…It really is a wonderful book which has been translated by Penguin since 1970 and reprinted again and again. But many Westerners don’t know about this book, which is a shame because it is such a powerful book” Read more...
The best books on Understanding China
Xinran, Nonprofit Leaders & Activist
Interviews where books by Cao Xueqin were recommended
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1
Three Kingdoms
by Luo Guanzhong & Moss Roberts (translator) -
2
The Water Margin
by Shi Naian & translated by J M Jackson -
3
The Water Outlaws
by S L Huang -
4
Monkey King: Journey to the West
Wu Cheng'en and Julia Lovell (translator) -
5
The Story of the Stone (also called Dream of the Red Chamber)
by Cao Xueqin
Classic Chinese Novels
Classic Chinese Novels
During China’s Ming and Qing dynasties, a number of novels were written which are regarded as classics of Chinese literature. Several of them have been recommended on Five Books, including one modern retelling.
Books every Chinese Language Learner Should Read, recommended by Chris Livaccari
China covers a vast territory, and is far more ethnically and culturally diverse than many outsiders assume. Chris Livaccari, a veteran Chinese language teacher, recommends books he believes every Chinese language learner should read.
The best books on Understanding China, recommended by Xinran
What books should we read to understand China—its culture, its history? British-Chinese journalist, author and activist Xinran picks five to get started with, including the book believed by many to be the greatest Chinese novel ever written. (You can also read this interview in Chinese by clicking here.)
