Detective Chinatown (The Case of the Lecherous Monk)

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 all the illustrations were drawn by Robert van Gulik during his lifetime. The book features the Tang Dynasty Chinese statesman and judge Di Renjie as its main character, describing his legendary experiences in solving cases and protecting the people while serving in 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 from the traditional "just and incorruptible official" in Chinese detective fiction. He has a unique approach to case-solving: valuing efficiency over ceremonial formalities, upholding integrity while being flexible, emphasizing investigation and reasoning rather than making hasty judgments. Di Renjie's extraordinary ability to solve cases has earned him the title of "Sherlock Holmes of Ancient China" among Western readers.