Description
The short stories in this volume are some of the most famous Chinese tales ever told. They comprise some of the best-though not all of the best are here. The selection and retelling of these stories for Western readers impose a necessary limitation. Many famous stories have been omitted, either on account of theme, matter, or basic assumptions of a different society or period, which make the retelling an impossible or unprofitable undertaking. I have selected those which I believe have a most nearly universal appeal, and which answer more to the purpose of a modern short story.
The purpose of a short story is, I believe, that the reader shall come away with the satisfactory feeling that a particular insight into human character has been gained, or that his knowledge of life has been deepened, or that pity, love, or sympathy for a human being has been awakened. Nothing in the reader's basic assumptions should stand in the way, requiring elaborate explanation, in order that this desired effect may be achieved. I have chosen stories which present no such difficulties and which make the achievement of this effect easy or possible, although I recognize that some of these stories will appeal to the reader because of the strangeness and exotic charm of a remote atmosphere and background.
ISBN:FAMOUSCHINESE
