Detective Chinatown (The Prince's Coffin)

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. When the English edition of this book was published in the 1950s, it 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 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 Renjie portrayed by the author differs from the traditional "just judge" in Chinese detective novels. He has a unique approach to case-solving: emphasizing efficiency over ceremonial formalities, upholding integrity while being adaptable, focusing on investigation and reasoning rather than jumping to conclusions. Di Renjie is so skilled in solving cases that Western readers call him the Sherlock Holmes of ancient China. This book, with Di Renjie as its protagonist, describes his legendary experiences in solving cases and protecting the people in various prefectures, counties, and the capital. This is the fourth volume, "The Prince's Coffin."