Detective Chinatown: The Complete Translation: I: Four Lacquered Screens

Author: [Dutch] Robert van Gulik
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. Upon its English publication in the 1950s, the book caused a sensation in Europe and America. It has now been translated into over 10 languages and incorporates all the illustrations hand-drawn by Robert van Gulik during his lifetime. The book features the Tang Dynasty Chinese statesman and judge Di Renjie as its protagonist, describing his legendary experiences in solving 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 to an inevitable pursuit of the truth. The Di Renjie portrayed by the author differs from the traditional "Judge Bao" in Chinese detective fiction. He has a unique approach to case-solving: prioritizing efficiency over formalities, upholding integrity while being adaptable, emphasizing investigation and reasoning rather than jumping to conclusions. Di Renjie's detective skills are so remarkable that Western readers call him the Sherlock Holmes of ancient China. The book features the Tang Dynasty Chinese statesman and judge Di Renjie as its protagonist, describing his legendary experiences in solving cases and protecting the people in various prefectures, counties, and the capital.