Detective Chinatown (Four Painted Screens)

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 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 original hand-drawn illustrations by Robert van Gulik in his lifetime. The book features the Tang Dynasty Chinese statesman and judge Di Renjie as its protagonist, describing his legendary experiences in handling 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 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 investigation: emphasizing efficiency over ceremonial formalities, upholding integrity while being adaptable, focusing on investigation and reasoning rather than making subjective judgments. Di Renjie's detective skills are so extraordinary that Western readers call him the Sherlock Holmes of ancient China.