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Title: Three Kingdoms: Chinese Classics (Classic Novel in 4-Volumes) by Luo Guanzhong, Moss Roberts, Lo Kuan-Chung, Lo Kuan-Chung ISBN: 7-119-00590-1 Publisher: Foreign Language Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 2001 Format: Paperback List Price(USD): $39.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.43 (58 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Epic
Comment: First off, you have to read the full translation of this book. I read the 1976 abridged version of Three Kingdoms translated by Moss Roberts first and thought it was pretty good, but felt that the story wasn't developed enough and lacked cohesion. Then a few years ago I finally found and purchased the full unabridged version published by the University of California Press and also translated by Dr. Roberts. This is the full-blown epic from start to finish with all the details and many of the translation errors of the previous editions eliminated. The prose was also improved and flows eloquently throughout the book's entire 3000+ pages. Three Kingdoms is the tale (part historical, part legend and myth) of the fall of the Later Han Dynasty of China. It chronicles the lives of those feudal lords and their retainers who tried to either replace the empire or restore it. While the novel actually follows literally hundreds of characters, the focus is mainly on the 3 families who would eventually carve out the 3 kingdoms from the remnants of the Han. The Liu family in the Shu kingdom led by Liu Bei, The Cao family in Wei led by Cao Cao, and the Sun family in Wu eventually led by Sun Quan. The book deals with the plots, personal and army battles, intrigues, and struggles of these families to achieve dominance for almost 100 yrs. This book also gives you a sense of the way the Chinese view their history: cyclical rather than linear (as in the West). The first and last lines of the book sum this view up best: "The empire long united must divide..." and "The empire long divided must unite..." If you are at least a little interested in Chinese history (ancient or modern) and culture this book is a must read.
Rating: 5
Summary: One of the best
Comment: Like many people I first heard of this novel through the games from Koei. I played romance of the three kingdoms on my Nintendo when I was in high school. A few years ago I started playing the dynasty warriors series of games on the playstation. I had always wanted to read the novel, and I'm glad I did. The story starts around 185 AD, just at the end of the Han dynasty. It continues until the end of the Han dynasty in 220, and finally to the reunification of china around 280. The principle characters are rulers, generals, and politicians that make up the Wu, Wei, and Shu kingdoms.
The book is really fast read, considering that the book is 2400+ pages long, it really didn't take that long to read. It is interesting and something is always going on. I don't think I would have enjoyed being a third century Chinese general. They have a pretty short life. It was kind of sad when character that I really like got killed, but considering the time span of the novel it was bound to happen. The novel does focus on the time period from 185-220, after that things start going pretty quick and after 235 AD the story is essentially over, except for a few details.
I can't recommend it enough, you could read it 50 times and still get something out of it. If I were stuck on a desert island, this would be one of the books I'd like to have. Now all I need to do is visit china and see some of this stuff from the book
Rating: 5
Summary: A well written and understanable translation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment: Most people would pick up this book and think to themselves, " Whoa! this book is a load of crap!". Believe me I've heard it before. Sure this book is well over 2,000 pages long and the names can be somewhat hard to remember, but keep in mind that this is a book for a person who likes historical warfare and the like. I must also advise parents that this book is on the more violent side, and some of the deaths are just plain gruesome! ( I mean, this is the only book I have read where someone is being slaughtered on each page.) But then, also read this book to educate yourself. If youre 9+ I really belive you can grasp concepts and understand a book like this. Another thing about this book is that Moss Roberts (translator) uses the pinyin translation system. This 'pinyin' thing is the more modern way of translating the Chinese language.If you have ever played one of Koei's ROTK (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) games you can better recognize the names and places than you can in C.H. Brewitt translations (ex. T'sao T'sao becomes Cao Cao, Sun Chien becomes Sun Jian, and Powang slope becomes Bo Wan Po). It can be read by a kid. I have read it. Enjoy!
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Title: Mastering the Art of War by Zhuge Liang ISBN: 0877735131 Publisher: Shambhala Pub. Date: 18 November, 1989 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: Outlaws of the Marsh (Chinese Classics 4-Volume Boxed Set) by Shi Nai'An, Luo Guanzhong, Sidney Shapiro, Lo Kuan-Chung ISBN: 7119016628 Publisher: Acacia Press, Inc. Pub. Date: 01 January, 2001 List Price(USD): $39.95 |
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Title: Journey to the West (4-Volume Boxed Set) by Cheng'en Wu, Wu Cheng'en, W.J.F. Jenner, Ch-Eng-En Wu ISBN: 7119016636 Publisher: Foreign Language Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 2001 List Price(USD): $39.95 |
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Title: Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Lo Kuan-Chung, C. H. Brewitt-Taylor, Robert E. Hegel, Kuan-Chung Lo ISBN: 0804834679 Publisher: Charles E Tuttle Co Pub. Date: June, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: A Dream of Red Mansions (4-Volume Boxed Set) by Cao Xueqin, Gao E, Yang Xianyi ISBN: 7119006436 Publisher: Acacia Press, Inc. Pub. Date: 01 January, 2001 List Price(USD): $39.95 |
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