Cockroach history

Author: (Qing) Lei Po Shan, edited and annotated by Zhang Jucai
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1992-07-01
Features: This book was written by Tu Shen (styled Lei Po Shan), a literati of the Qianlong and Jiaqing eras in the Qing Dynasty. It is set against the backdrop of uprisings by ethnic minorities in the Qing Dynasty (primarily the Miao people) and depicts multiple clashes between the imperial forces and the rebel army. The story concludes with the victory of the imperial forces and the defeat of the rebels. In the depiction of battle scenes, the author incorporates the techniques of magical and mythical novels, blending ancient and obscure prose with a touch of the supernatural. Although the author fiercely criticizes the immorality of the rebel leaders, he objectively exposes the corruption and darkness of the Qing administrative system. Lei Shi stands out as a unique work in the history of fiction, and as Lu Xun remarked, "It is unparalleled because its style has never been attempted by others." (Sketches from Chinese Fiction)