First Strange Stories from a Tabletop, Second Strange Stories from a Tabletop

Author: (Ming) Ling Mengchu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-01-01
Features: The famous Ming Dynasty writer Ling Mengchu's "Strange Stories from the First and Second Collection of the Case of the Opened Table," which are commonly referred to as "The Two Collections of the Case of the Opened Table." These two beloved works consist of seventy-eight short stories and one zaju (a traditional Chinese play). They are written in the popular "imitated storytelling" style, depicting numerous captivating stories, such as merchants rising from misfortune to wealth, scholars achieving fame from poverty; upright officials delivering just rulings like gods, corrupt officials acting like tigers in the law; rascals indulging in debauchery and dragging lawsuits, swindlers deceiving each other; how young people pursue loyal and unwavering love, and how feudal ethics create tragic marriages. The language is simple and concise; the plots are full of twists and turns, mysterious and perplexing yet logical; the characters' inner lives are portrayed in meticulous detail, and the artistic images are vividly brought to life. It is highly worth reading.