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The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei, Volume One

The Gathering
Series: Princeton Library of Asian Translations
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei, Volume One is a classic work of Chinese literature that explores the intrigues and complexities of human relationships within a wealthy household during the late Ming dynasty. The novel weaves together the lives of its characters through tales of ambition, desire, and the pursuit of pleasure, offering a vivid portrayal of social and moral life, along with insights into the era's customs and society.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$12800

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in exploring classical Chinese literature filled with rich details on culture and society. This work offers intricate storytelling and a vivid depiction of human nature, providing an engrossing narrative that dives deep into the lives and desires of its characters.

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Provides a complete and annotated translation of the famous "Chin P'ing Mei", an anonymous sixteenth-century Chinese novel that focuses on the domestic life of Hsi-men Ch'ing, a corrupt, upwardly mobile merchant in a provincial town, who maintains a harem of six wives and concubines.

This is the first complete English translation of world literature and will immediately supersede all existing partial and abridged translations in that language. Even aside from the stunning achievement of the translation itself, the book represents a lifetime of meticulous scholarship on an enormous number of Sinological subjects. This work is the culmination of David Roy's entire scholarly career and a compendium of his vast learning in all phases of traditional Chinese civilization. -- Andrew Plaks, Princeton University

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In the first volume of a five-volume set, the author provides a complete and annotated translation of The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei, an anonymous 16th-century Chinese novel that focuses on the domestic life of Hsi-men Ch'ing, a corrupt, upwardly mobile merchant in a provincial town, who maintains a harem of six wives and concubines.

This work, known primarily for its erotic realism, is also a landmark in the development of the narrative art form - not only from a specifically Chinese perspective, but also in a world-historical context.

Series: Princeton Library of Asian Translations

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  • The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei, Volume Three
    In this third volume of a planned five-volume series, David Roy provides a complete and annotated translation of the famous Chin P'ing Mei, an anonymous sixteenth-century Chinese novel that focuses on the domestic life of His-men Ch'ing, a corrupt, upwardly mobile merchant who maintains a harem of six wives and concubines. This work, known primarily for its erotic realism, is...
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  • The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei, Volume One
    In the first volume of a five-volume set, the author provides a complete and annotated translation of The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei, an anonymous 16th-century Chinese novel that focuses on the domestic life of Hsi-men Ch'ing, a corrupt, upwardly mobile merchant in a provincial town, who maintains a harem of six wives and concubines. This...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei, Volume One has been highly praised for its scholarly contribution and translation quality. Reviewers commend David Tod Roy's energetic engagement with the original text, surpassing previous versions. His translation is described as definitive and a tremendous achievement, offering readers a remarkable experience.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691016146

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 April 1997

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 40 line illus.

Contributors:

  • Edited and translated by David Tod Roy

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 203.0mm

Height: 254.0mm

Weight: 1077g

Pages: 520

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Series: Princeton Library of Asian Translations

About the Author

David Tod Roy (19332016) was professor emeritus of Chinese literature at the University of Chicago. His monumental five-volume translation of the Chin P'ing Mei was completed in 2013.

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