Four-color screen - (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. When the English edition was published in the 1950s, it caused a sensation in Europe and America. It has now been translated into over 10 languages and all illustrations are adopted from the original hand-drawn artwork by the author in his lifetime. The book features the Tang Dynasty Chinese statesman and judge Di Renjie as its protagonist, describing his legendary experiences in solving cases and protecting the people while serving in prefectures, counties, and the capital. The stories are intricate, the cases dangerous, and the plot gripping, with clues leading readers on a relentless pursuit of the truth. The Di Renjie portrayed by the author differs greatly from the traditional "Judge Bao" 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 based on personal bias. Di Renjie's detective skills are so remarkable that Western readers call him the Sherlock Holmes of ancient China.