" - (Complete Translation)"

Author: Robert van Gulik
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: A classic work by a master of Western Sinology, included in the required reading list for students at the University of Chicago. Upon its English publication in the 1950s, the book caused a sensation in Europe and America. It has now been translated into over 10 languages and features all illustrations hand-drawn by the author in his lifetime. The book centers on the legendary experiences of the Tang Dynasty Chinese statesman and judge, Di Renjie, as he solves cases and brings justice to the people in various prefectures, counties, and the capital. The stories are intricate, the cases dangerous, and the plot gripping, with clues leading readers on an intense pursuit of the truth. The Di depicted by the author differs greatly from the traditional "just judge" in Chinese detective fiction. He has a unique approach to case-solving: valuing efficiency over formalities, upholding integrity while being adaptable, emphasizing investigation and reasoning rather than jumping to conclusions. Di Renjie's detective skills are so extraordinary that Western readers call him the Sherlock Holmes of ancient China.