Books by Luo Guanzhong
Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel
by Luo Guanzhong & Moss Roberts (translator)
The Three Kingdoms was written during the early/middle years of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), but chronicles events during the Han dynasty (168-280). Pictured is volume one of Moss Roberts’s translation of the Three Kingdoms. There is also an abridged edition, which is excellent (and still comes in at 400+ pages).
“You could say that its story is the story of all China, passed down from father to son. It is one of China’s four great classical novels, which also include the Journey to the West. But only with Romance of the Three Kingdoms did old Chinese stories really become Chinese literature. It’s also beautifully written. A reader can harvest a lot of history and knowledge from this book, because it chronicles all aspects of China. You can discover in it the entirety of the Chinese character, ancient and modern. All Chinese people today can find themselves in the Three Kingdoms, whether you are rich or poor, old or young.” Read more...
The Best Chinese Dissident Literature
Ma Jian, Novelist
Interviews where books by Luo Guanzhong were recommended
Ten Historical Novels Set in China
China’s dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and tumultuous political history serves as a rich seam for historical novels. Here, we’ve drawn together a list of recommended titles, selected by and discussed with Five Books interviewees over the years.
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1
Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel
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, translated by Julia Lovell -
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.
The Best Chinese Dissident Literature, recommended by Ma Jian
Writers in China are afraid to criticise the state and society, says London-based author Ma Jian. From the 3rd century BC to 2008, these five exceptional works show how it’s done.
