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In honor of Spring Festival, every list this week celebrates Chinese culture. We’ve already done Tigers and Oscar Wilde, and today we look at the best of China’s classical literature.
I have read each of the four classic novels, in translation of course, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Start at the bottom of the list and work your way up. It always pays to save the best for last. If you thought Twilight was good, you’ll love these:
#4 Dream Of The Red Chambers (红楼梦)
Author: Cao Xueqin
Date: 1759
Why You Should Read It: Provides a detailed look at life for wealthy magistrates during the Qing Dynasty. Covers all the major art forms, including poetry, calligraphy, painting, lantern-making and riddles. One of the all time great love stories. Makes Gone With The Wind seem like a short story.
#3 Romance Of The Three Kingdoms(三国演义)
Author: Luo Guanzhong
Date: Pre-1400
Why You Should Read It: Classic military story comparable to Sun Tzu and Machiavelli. China’s Iliad and Odyssey rolled into one. You have inspiring warriors battling perfidious traitors in order to rule all of China.
#2 Outlaws Of The Marsh(水浒传)
Author:Shi Naian
Date: Pre-1400
Why You Should Read It: Rivals The Count Of Monte Cristo as the greatest action-adventure novel ever written. A group of noble outlaws strive against injustice and a corrupt system, a la The A-Team. Li Kui fights with two battle axes while drunk and completely naked.
#1 Journey To The West(西游记)
Author: Wu Cheng’en
Date: 16th Century
Why You Should Read It: The compelling tale of Monkey and his companions escorting the Tang Priest to India in order to receive the Buddhist scriptures. Laugh out loud funny, especially when Monkey invades heaven and defeats all the gods in combat. Based on a true story.
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Tags: Cao Xueqin, China, Culture, Gone With The Wind, Li Kui, List, Literature, Luo Guanzhong, Monkey King, Outlaws Of The Marsh, Qing Dynasty, Romance Of The Three Kingdoms, Shi Naian, Sun Wu Kong, Tang Dynasty, Tang Priest, The A-Team, The Count Of Monte Cristo, The Iliad, The Odyssey, Twilight, Water Margin, 三国演义, 水浒传, 红楼梦, 西游记
