Da Tang Di Gong An (1): Four Lacquer Screens

Author: (Dutch) Robert van Gulik, translated by Chen Laiyuan, Hu Ming, et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: A classic work by a master of Western Sinology, included in the required reading list for students at the University of Chicago. When the English edition was first published in the 1950s, it caused a sensation in Europe and America. It has now been translated into over 10 languages and fully incorporates the original hand-drawn illustrations by Robert van Gulik in his lifetime. The book centers on the Tang Dynasty Chinese official 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 compelling readers to seek the truth. The Di Renjie portrayed by the author differs from the traditional "Judge Qing Tian" in Chinese detective fiction. He has a unique approach to case-solving: valuing efficiency over formalities, upholding integrity while being adaptable, emphasizing investigation and reasoning rather than jumping to conclusions. Di Renjie's extraordinary judgment skills have earned him the title of "Sherlock Holmes of Ancient China" among Western readers.