Complete Illustrated Edition of Chinese Classical Literature Masterpieces: Water Margin (Volume 1, 2, and 3)

Author: (Ming) Shi Nai'an, (Ming) Luo Guanzhong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This book is also known as "Water Margin" or "Loyal and Righteous Water Margin." Written by Shi Nai'an of the Ming Dynasty. Some also believe it was written by Luo Guanzhong or co-authored by Shi and Luo. Historical records provide little information about Shi Nai'an's life, and there are many differing accounts. There is a "Tombstone Inscription for Shi Nai'an," which states that he was originally from Suzhou and later moved to Huai'an. He was a scholar during the Zhishun era of the Yuan Dynasty and died in the early years of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty at the age of seventy-five. Many have questioned this account. "Water Margin" was compiled and refined based on "The Reminiscences of the Xuanhe Era of the Great Song Dynasty" and related storytelling and folk tales about the Water Margin. The main stories and character prototypes in the book are based on real events. During the Xuanhe era of the Song Dynasty, Song Jiang led thirty-six men to roam freely in Qi and Wei. Despite the presence of tens of thousands of imperial troops, no one dared to oppose them. The entire story is set in the Xuanhe era of the Northern Song Dynasty, a time of political darkness, deceit and strife in the court, oppression of the people by rulers, and the resulting suffering of the lower classes who had no means of survival. This led to uprisings across all social strata. Figures like Song Jiang, Lin Chong, and Wu Song rebelled, raised the banner of "carrying out the will of heaven to eliminate injustice and restore order," and gained the support of the common people, establishing a base of rebellion on Mount Liang. The imperial court repeatedly failed to suppress the rebels and thus adopted a policy of offering amnesty. The rebels proposed the slogan of opposing corrupt officials but not the emperor and accepted the amnesty offered by the court. The story is full of twists and turns, with vivid language and distinct characters. Its artistic achievement was unprecedented in the Ming Dynasty. The one hundred and eight heroes, including Song Jiang, Lin Chong, Lu Zhishen, Wu Song, and Li Kui, have become household names. The spirit of these characters—hating evil, helping the poor, and acting with chivalry—has deeply resonated with people and become role models in their hearts. These character portrayals have greatly influenced novels and dramas since the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the stories in the book have been drawn upon by various art forms. During its process, the book has existed in many versions, including:
- The 100-capter version, titled "Loyal and Righteous Water Margin."
- The early surviving carved edition by Guo Xun during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty.
- The 120-capter version, titled "Complete Water Margin," which adds the stories of fighting Tian Hu and Wang Qing compared to the 100-capter version.
- The original carved edition by Yuan Tianya during the Ming Dynasty, and the adapted version by Yang Dingjian during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty, published by Yuyu Hall.