Book details
San kuo; or, Romance of the three kingdoms (volume 1 of 2)
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Stored record
Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 77416
- Title
- San kuo; or, Romance of the three kingdoms (volume 1 of 2)
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
-
This English translation of the classic Chinese historical novel chronicles the turbulent era following the Han Dynasty's decline. It follows the rise of three rival warlords—Wei, Shu, and Wu—as they navigate political intrigue, legendary battles, and shifting alliances in a tale of heroism, betrayal, and the eventual fragmentation of the empire.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
Set against the crumbling backdrop of the Han Dynasty, *San Kuo* (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) chronicles the epic transition from imperial unity to a fractured era of three competing states: Wei, Shu, and Wu. The narrative opens with ominous omens, including a black serpent and male hens, signaling the end of the Han's golden age under the corrupt reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling. Power struggles between eunuchs and loyal ministers culminate in chaos, allowing warlords to rise. Central to this turmoil are Liu Pei, a descendant of the Han imperial family seeking to restore order, and his sworn brothers Kuan Yu and Chang Fei. Their bond, forged in the Peach Garden, stands as a testament to loyalty amidst a world defined by ambition and betrayal. As the central authority collapses, the story weaves through decades of civil war, featuring legendary events such as the strategic Battle of Red Cliffs and the tragic deaths of beloved heroes. The text explores profound themes including the cost of war, the conflict between moral rectitude and political opportunism, and the complex interplay between fate and human agency. Blending historical events with fictionalized exploits, the novel captures the dramatic flair of an epic saga, detailing the rise of the usurper Cao Cao and the eventual division of China. Through a tapestry of battles, betrayals, and heroic deeds, the narrative illustrates how tyranny and bloodshed marked nearly a century of strife until the empire was consolidated under the Jin dynasty, forever changing the course of Chinese history.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/77416.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg77416.epub - Downloaded at
- 2026-08-13 12:51 UTC
People
Authors
- Guanzhong Luo
Classification
Categories
- History
- Fiction