Detective Chinatown (The Lame Beggar)

Author: (Dutch) Robert van Gulik, translated by Chen Laiyuan, Hu Ming, et al.
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 fully incorporates the illustrations drawn by Robert van Gulik during his lifetime. The book features the Tang Dynasty Chinese official Di Renjie as its protagonist, describing his legendary experiences in solving cases and protecting the people in prefectures, counties, and the capital. The stories are intricate, the cases dangerous, and the plot gripping, with clues compelling readers to seek the truth. The Di Renjie portrayed by the author differs from the traditional "just judge" in Chinese detective novels. He has a unique investigative style: valuing efficiency over formalities, upholding integrity while being adaptable, emphasizing investigation and reasoning rather than making hasty judgments. Di Renjie's cases are handled with supernatural skill, earning him the title of "Sherlock Holmes of ancient China" among Western readers.