2 The Collected Works of Robert van Gulik:Judge Dee at Large--The Case of the Impudent Monk

Author: [Netherlands] Robert van Gulik
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: A classic work by a master of Sinology in the West, 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. All illustrations are adopted from the original hand-drawn artwork by the author 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 an intense pursuit of the truth. The Di Renjie portrayed by the author differs from the traditional "just and incorruptible judge" in Chinese detective fiction. He has a unique approach to case-solving: valuing efficiency over formalities, upholding integrity while being flexible, emphasizing investigation and reasoning, and avoiding subjective assumptions. Di Renjie's detective skills are so remarkable that Western readers call him the Sherlock Holmes of ancient China.