Book details
Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio (Volumes 1 and 2)
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Stored record
Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 43629
- Title
- Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio (Volumes 1 and 2)
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
-
Herbert A. Giles's translation of Songling Pu's classic collection offers a vivid window into Chinese folklore, blending supernatural tales with moral lessons. Rich in cultural detail and atmospheric storytelling, this volume explores themes of karma, justice, and the supernatural, appealing to readers of fantasy and historical fiction.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, translated and annotated by Herbert A. Giles, presents a rich anthology of tales rooted in late Qing dynasty folklore and tradition. The collection, originally compiled by Pu Sung-ling, a scholar from the province of Shan-tung, features narratives ranging from the tragic fate of the unmarried Plum Virgin to the supernatural cure of a man addicted to wine by a magical insect. These stories often serve as cautionary tales, reinforcing Confucian and Buddhist values such as filial piety, the inevitability of karmic retribution, and the rewards of virtue. Giles's introduction provides essential biographical context on Pu Sung-ling, who, despite his poverty and lack of official success, dedicated his life to recording the supernatural phenomena and social customs of his time. The tales are structured to entertain while educating Western readers about Chinese beliefs regarding the afterlife, where social distinctions persist, and the complex interplay between the living and the dead. Through Giles's detailed annotations, cultural references are clarified, making the work accessible while preserving its original spirit. The book stands as both an entertaining anthology and an anthropological record, offering a window into the manners, superstitions, and moral landscape of China during a pivotal era. Stories like 'The Faithful Dog' and 'Cruelty Avenged' highlight themes of loyalty and justice, while others explore the boundaries between humanity and the animal kingdom, reflecting the deep-seated beliefs of the era.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/43629.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg43629.epub - Downloaded at
- 2026-07-07 06:05 UTC
People
Authors
- Songling Pu
Classification
Categories
- Short Stories
- Fiction