Phonetic Colored Picture Book of Chinese Classics, Issue 1 · Fengshen Yanyi

Author: Li Yufu, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: A fresh approach to telling classic stories, unique illustrations that complement vivid text. Concise and elegant text that captures the essence of the original, with standard phonetic annotations suitable for teaching. Original illustrations crafted with artistic skill, taking children on a soul-stirring journey that will last a lifetime.
King Zhou of Shang was a tyrannical and cruel ruler who killed the innocent. Under the enchantment of Daji, a sorceress transformed from a monster, King Zhou neglected his government, killed loyal ministers, and drove his queen to death, forcing his prince into exile. His atrocities led to betrayal and isolation, prompting the Duke of Wu to rebel against King Zhou. The sorcerer Jiang Ziya, chosen by heaven, assisted the Duke of Wu in battling King Zhou, with supernatural beings emerging one after another: Lei Zhenzi, who had flying wings growing from his sides; Nezha, capable of transforming into three heads and six arms; Yang Jian, who could change in seventy-two ways; and Tu Xingsun, skilled in earth and water (transformation techniques). The magical arts and Taoist practices of these deities and immortals were fully displayed. Ultimately, Jiang Ziya consecrated an altar to enshrine the gods, King Zhou burned himself to death, and the Duke of Wu overthrew the Shang Dynasty, establishing the Zhou Dynasty.
The Investiture of the Gods is one of the representative works of ancient Chinese mythological fiction, showcasing the rich imagination of the ancients. Within a series of fantastical tales, it embodies people's longing for a better life and their aspiration to replace reality with the power of humans and gods to eliminate tyranny and restore order.
Mythological fiction was a genre of literature in ancient times that focused on (immortals), ghosts, and monsters as its themes. It originated from the strange tales of the Wei and Jin dynasties and flourished during the Ming Dynasty. Its content primarily involved battles between gods and demons, cultivation, and achieving enlightenment, mostly drawing from religious stories and myths. The themes were filled with the bizarre and the fantastical.
The Phonetic Color Illustration Edition of Chinese Classics introduced here is a series of books meticulously compiled and illustrated based on the original works, specially dedicated to young readers. The exquisite illustrations by talented artists complement the text perfectly, vividly recreating the rich social life and profound artistic realm of the original. The expressive text, delicate and lifelike illustrations, and standard phonetic annotations aligned with primary school teaching standards will serve as a bridge for children to understand and appreciate the essence of traditional Chinese culture.