Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Volume 1) (with CD-ROM)

Author: Yi Zhongtian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: We are always accustomed to attributing the rise and fall of dynasties, the success and failure of undertakings, historical changes, and the right or wrong of matters to personal reasons, attributing them to the virtues or flaws of certain leaders and dominant figures. At the same time, historical figures are uniformly stereotyped according to a simplistic binary of good and evil, turning Chinese history into a grand stage. But we never know why there are so many white-faced and white-nosed characters on stage, nor when the red-faced and black-faced ones will appear, because we don't know who the scriptwriter and director are. We can only hope for luck and wait, yet we refuse to acknowledge that every "good reward" often also means the coming of the next "bad fate." The Three Kingdoms was an era of dramatic changes, turbulent waters, the rise of heroes, and a time of longing. Countless legendary heroes showcased their prowess, dominating the scene, with the land as beautiful as a painting and the era filled with outstanding figures. Cao Cao was one of the key figures who shaped history. He was feared and respected during his lifetime but cursed after his death. Some called him a hero, while others called him a villain. Why do historical records consistently present contradictory accounts of his actions, with differing opinions? What kind of person was Cao Cao, and what were his achievements and shortcomings in his early years? Professor Yi Zhongtian will interpret this from a commoner's perspective.