Illustrated Fengshen Yanyi (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Xu Zhonglin (Ming Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-09-01
Features: The Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods), written by Xu Zhonglin and Li Yunxiang during the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty (1612–1672), organizes numerous tales of gods and demons within the historical framework of the King Wu's campaign against Zhou. Following the historical events of King Wu's rebellion and the establishment of the Zhou dynasty, the celestial deities split into two factions to participate in the conflict: those supporting King Zhou were part of the Xiejiao, while those supporting King Wu were part of the Chanjiao. Both factions summoned divine artifacts to engage in magical battles, each showcasing their abilities. Ultimately, King Zhou was defeated and burned himself to death, and Jiang Ziya enshrined the deceased key figures from both sides as gods. In this way, all gods and demons achieved enlightenment, and the three teachings converged as one. The characters in the book are unique, the imagination extraordinary, and it stands as one of the finest works in ancient Chinese fiction. The Illustrated Fengshen Yanyi edited and published by this press is based on the Qu Xue Cao Tang edition, with reference to the Jin Chang Bookshop edition, and features 175 illustrations from the Illustrated Fengshen Yanyi printed by Shanghai Guangbai Shuzhai in the 15th year of the Guangxu era (1889), preserved in the library of Peking University. The Fengshen Yanyi, written by Xu Zhonglin and Li Yunxiang during the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty (1612–1672), organizes numerous tales of gods and demons within the historical framework of the King Wu's campaign against Zhou. Following the historical events of King Wu's rebellion and the establishment of the Zhou dynasty, the celestial deities split into two factions to participate in the conflict: those supporting King Zhou were part of the Xiejiao, while those supporting King Wu were part of the Chanjiao. Both factions summoned divine artifacts to engage in magical battles, each showcasing their abilities. Ultimately, King Zhou was defeated and burned himself to death, and Jiang Ziya enshrined the deceased key figures from both sides as gods. In this way, all gods and demons achieved enlightenment, and the three teachings converged as one. The characters in the book are unique, the imagination extraordinary, and it stands as one of the finest works in ancient Chinese fiction. The Illustrated Fengshen Yanyi edited and published by this press is based on the Qu Xue Cao Tang edition, with reference to the Jin Chang Bookshop edition, and features 175 illustrations from the Illustrated Fengshen Yanyi printed by Shanghai Guangbai Shuzhai in the 15th year of the Guangxu era (1889), preserved in the library of Peking University. This book is richly illustrated and beautifully designed, featuring dual-color printing, which enhances its collectible value and reading enjoyment.