Fengshen Yanyi (1-4) - Fragrant Book

Author: Xu Zhonglin (Ming Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
Features:▼Complete Content▼Sandalwood Aroma▼Compact and Lightweight▼Original Illustrations▼Portable
The book Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods) consists of over 100 chapters and approximately 700,000 words. In the realm of ancient Chinese novels, it can be considered a monumental work. It is believed to have originated during the Longqing and Wanli periods of the Ming Dynasty. The author remains unknown. According to a preserved Ming Wanli-era woodblock print stored in Japan, which is the oldest version of the book still in existence, it is attributed to Zhongshan Yisu Xu Zhonglin as the editor. Whether the author was indeed Xu Zhonglin or someone else, and the circumstances of his life, remain unverified and are thus left as an unsolved mystery.
Fengshen Yanyi primarily narrates the story of King Wu's campaign against the tyrannical King Zhou. The work reflects the social realities of the Ming Dynasty, expressing the people's hatred for autocratic rule and their longing for benevolent governance. The historical perspective promoted in the book—that the world belongs not to one person but to all the people—holds progressive significance.
Fengshen Yanyi is an ancient novel that blends the essence of democratic ideals with the dross of feudalism. Overall, it leans toward a healthy and positive direction. Moreover, due to the rich collection of myths, legends, and historical anecdotes it contains, the book holds certain reference value for the study of Chinese literary and social history.