Water Margin (Volumes 1, 2, and 3) (Treasured Complete Embroidered Illustrations Full Edition)

Author: (Ming) Shi Nai'an, (Ming) Luo Guanzhong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The distinctive feature of this series is its rich integration of text and illustrations, blending scenes and emotions. It allows readers to immerse themselves in the story through both words and images, achieving twice the result with half the effort. The illustrations used in this book are selected from the works of masters across generations, as well as from contemporary artists who imitate the Ming and Qing Dynasty styles. This makes the book stand out among the many classic Chinese literary masterpieces, offering a unique and unconventional approach. The book is available in two editions. The version tailored for middle and high school students is designed with the preferences of young readers in mind. The compact size and vibrant, eye-catching design aim to appeal to students, while also considering their limited budgets and strong desire to explore classic literature. Therefore, the price is kept as low as possible to make it accessible. The "Treasure Edition," published for literary enthusiasts, boasts a grand and elegant appearance, classic and refined packaging, and exquisite printing. It serves as an ideal gift for social exchanges and a timeless treasure for personal collection, offering intellectual stimulation and spiritual enrichment.
Water Margin is a long heroic epic and one of the representative works of ancient Chinese novels, created based on the story of Song Jiang's uprising. The uprising took place during the reign of Emperor Huizong in the Northern Song Dynasty, and is recorded in the Annals of Emperor Huizong and the biographies of Hou Meng and Zhang Shuni in the History of the Song Dynasty. From the Southern Song Dynasty onwards, the story of Song Jiang's uprising circulated among the people. The Record of the Drunken Scholar documented some independent legends about the Water Margin heroes, while Remnants of the Great Song in the Xuanhe Era compiled many Water Margin stories into a continuous narrative, resembling a full-length novel. During the Yuan Dynasty, numerous Water Margin plays emerged, featuring the heroes on stage. Water Margin evolved from the long-standing folk traditions surrounding Song Jiang's uprising, absorbing the richness of folk literature. It is one of the most beloved classical vernacular novels in China. It emerged in the Ming Dynasty, drawing upon the stories, tales, and plays about the Water Margin that had circulated since the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and was refined and created by the authors. The entire book focuses on the peasant uprising led by Song Jiang, artistically depicting the tragic yet heroic struggle of the ancient Chinese people against oppression. The work vividly exposes the corruption and cruelty of the feudal ruling class, reveals the sharp social contradictions of the time, and the brutal reality of "the officials forcing the people to rebel." It successfully portrays a cast of heroic figures, including Lu Zhishen, Li Kui, Wu Song, Lin Chong, and Ruan Xiaogu. The story is intricate, the language vivid, and the characters well-defined, showcasing exceptional artistic achievement. However, the work also glorifies and idealizes Song Jiang, promoting the concepts of "loyalty and righteousness" and "carrying out the Mandate of Heaven," reflecting severe ideological limitations.
The editing of this book is based on the original "Yadong Library Edition," with careful selection and refinement to create the current version. The illustrations used in this book are selected from the finest examples of traditional embroidery illustrations across generations, as well as the works of renowned painters from the Qing and contemporary periods who imitate the Ming and Qing artistic styles.