China prohibits 110 novels (Palace and Historical Tales Volume)

Author: None
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-05-01
Features:
- Most Collected: A grand scale, unmatched in both China and abroad in terms of systematic completeness.
- Least Censored: Unaltered in every word, preserving the original essence of the works. Even where some adjustments were necessary—compared to existing similar editions—they were the "least" altered versions.
- Best Editions: For works already available domestically, the best versions were selected; for those not yet available, high investments were made to import them from abroad or Taiwan, filling gaps in the literary canon.
- Concise Introductions: Every volume includes an introduction: explaining the edition and reasons for censorship, introducing the content, and offering appropriate evaluations. These introductions are highly condensed, serving as navigators in the sea of books.
- Great Value: This series provides invaluable resources for the study of Chinese fiction and cultural history, holding high literary and reading value, making it a worthy gift for those who appreciate refined culture.
The features of this banned literature collection: Rare, long-forgotten, and now first introduced to the world. Due to the strict cultural control by feudal rulers, censored novels, which explore human liberation, freedom, and the depiction of sexuality, were deemed intolerable. Feudal regimes, committed to suppressing ideas unfavorable to the government, enforced cultural censorship, leading to the banning and destruction of certain unique novels. Some of these novels were banned upon publication, forcing them into secret circulation and survival. Compared to general censored works, these are exceptionally rare and hard to find, holding immense value for both reading and collection as priceless treasures.
The collection comprises 113 rare, exceptional banned novels from around the world. These works were hidden for centuries, now brought back to light after years of painstaking efforts by hundreds of experts in recovery and preservation.
Themes of Buddhism, Taoism, medicine, and health are interwoven, with the intention of promoting ethical living rather than indulgence. The novels, which may seem morally questionable at first glance, actually serve as cautionary tales about self-control. They advocate moderation rather than excess, teaching by example rather than promoting debauchery, with profound and well-intentioned messages.
These works delve into themes of Buddhism, Taoism, medicine, and wellness, offering a wide range of practices such as health preservation, bedroom arts, beauty-enhancing elixirs, and life-altering remedies. They are a treasure trove of secrets. The Dutch scholar Robert van Gulik’s The Chinese Room of Intimacy was compiled from similar banned novels.
Through vivid storytelling, these books depict the changing times and the myriad lives of people across all social strata. Their emotional depth and engaging narratives make them unparalleled.
The 113 works in this collection were banned due to excessive depictions of sexuality or political reasons, now fully restored and published in China for the first time. Rare, novel, mysterious, and alluring—this collection offers a feast for the eyes. Complete, refined, detailed, and captivating—truly a once-in-a-generation masterpiece!