Read the Three Kingdoms

Author: Qiu Zhensheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: Since the publication of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it has captivated countless readers, both Chinese and foreign. Renowned literary critic and historian Qiu Zhensheng has written this book to guide readers in comprehensively appreciating this timeless classic, a product of over a thousand years of wisdom. Did Guan Yu, the bearded warrior, attend the meeting alone? Was Guan Yu's surrender to Cao Cao conditional? How did Guan Yu become a deity? Was Cao Cao truly the crafty and ruthless hero who said, "I would rather betray the world than let the world betray me"? What are the differences between the Three Kingdoms stories in folklore and Romance of the Three Kingdoms? What is the origin of the tradition of respecting the Liu family and (devaluing Cao)? — This book presents 150 concise and insightful academic essays that systematically uncover the mysteries of Romance of the Three Kingdoms from its conception to its final form, revealing the truth behind the literary portrayals of historical figures, and offering sharp critiques of the book's ideological content and artistic features. Many of the topics and perspectives in this book fill gaps in the study of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, earning attention from academia and popularity among fans of the Three Kingdoms. Qiu Zhensheng excels at discovering problems and refining insights from historical materials. He blends research, critique, and appreciation, discussing everything from historical records to folk legends, from character development to ideological and artistic aspects, in a way that is both profound and accessible, appealing to both scholars and general readers. Romance of the Three Kingdoms has captivated countless readers since its publication. Renowned literary critic and historian Qiu Zhensheng has written this book to guide readers in comprehensively appreciating this timeless classic, a product of over a thousand years of wisdom. Did Guan Yu, the bearded warrior, attend the meeting alone? Was Guan Yu's surrender to Cao Cao conditional? How did Guan Yu become a deity? Was Cao Cao truly the crafty and ruthless hero who said, "I would rather betray the world than let the world betray me"? What are the differences between the Three Kingdoms stories in folklore and Romance of the Three Kingdoms? What is the origin of the tradition of respecting the Liu family and (devaluing Cao)? — This book presents 150 concise and insightful academic essays that systematically uncover the mysteries of Romance of the Three Kingdoms from its conception to its final form, revealing the truth behind the literary portrayals of historical figures, and offering sharp critiques of the book's ideological content and artistic features. Many of the topics and perspectives in this book fill gaps in the study of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, earning attention from academia and popularity among fans of the Three Kingdoms. With his profound knowledge of history and literary theory, Qiu Zhensheng cites sources extensively and highlights key insights. He excels at discovering problems and refining insights from historical materials, blending research, critique, and appreciation. His discussions range from historical records to folk legends, from character development to ideological and artistic aspects, offering in-depth yet accessible insights that appeal to both scholars and general readers. This book is also available in Japanese and in traditional Chinese characters for Taiwan.