Books by Moss Roberts (translator)
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).
“Three Kingdoms is not just an epic historical novel, it’s one of the most influential novels of all time. Much of the novel is concerned with virtue; how to be a successful commander and righteous ruler. But this is no simplistic battle between good and evil. The question soon arises of what price it is acceptable to pay to achieve a greater purpose.” Read more...
Five Timeless Books Rooted in Oral Storytelling
Tuva Kahrs, Five Books Editor
Interviews where books by Moss Roberts (translator) were recommended
-
1
Grendel
by John C. Gardner -
2
Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel
by Luo Guanzhong & Moss Roberts (translator) -
3
The Tale of Princess Fatima, Warrior Woman: The Arabic Epic of Dhat al-Himma
translated by Melanie Magidow -
4
Grettir's Saga
by translated by Jesse Byock -
5
The Kushnameh: The Persian Epic of Kush the Tusked
by Iranshah ibn Abu'l-Khayr & translated by Kaveh L. Hemmat
Five Timeless Books Rooted in Oral Storytelling, recommended by Tuva Kahrs
Five Timeless Books Rooted in Oral Storytelling, recommended by Tuva Kahrs
Long before we published books, tales were told around the campfire, or recited by a professional one episode at a time. So why not go straight to the wellspring of literature, and read stories so good they have been told and re-told for centuries? Here, Five Books contributing editor Tuva Kahrs recommends timeless books that began life in oral storytelling traditions from around the world, whose themes have resonated through the ages.
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.
-
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.