Romance of the Three Kingdoms, attributed to Luo Guanzhong, is a historical novel set in the turbulent years towards the end of the Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history, starting in 169 AD and ending with the reunification of the land in 280.The story part historical, part legend, and part mythical romanticises and dramatises the lives of feudal lords and their retainers, who tried to replace the dwindling Han dynasty or restore it. While the novel follows hundreds of characters, the focus is mainly on the three power blocs that emerged from the remnants of the Han dynasty, and would eventually form the three states of Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu. The novel deals with the plots, personal and military battles, intrigues, and struggles of these states to achieve dominance for almost 100 years.Romance of the Three Kingdoms is acclaimed as one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature; it has a total of 800,000 words and nearly a thousand dramatic characters (mostly historical) in 120 chapters. The novel is among the most beloved works of literature in East Asia.
The legendary account of 108 "Stars from Heaven" who, faced with a corrupt bureaucracy, flee to Liangshan Marsh, from a fortress there thwarting minions of the evil regime while continuing to serve the emperor. In its mix of politics, military tactics, action, martial arts, magic, and even the bawdy (the chapters on Wu Song laying the groundwork for Jin Ping Mei), this beloved novel is an unsurpassed classic in any language
""The Three Kingdoms" gives us "The Iliad" of China. First of the five great works of traditional prose fiction, this master narrative transforms history into epic and has thereby educated and entertained readers of five centuries with unforgettable exemplars of martial and civic virtue, of personal fidelity and political treachery. Moss Roberts''s translation, the first complete rendering in English, is one of surpassing excellence and impeccable scholarship. It should delight and captivate Western readers for many more years to come."--Anthony C. Yu, University of Chicago Three Kingdoms tells the story of the fateful last reign of the Han dynasty (206 b.c.-a.d. 220), when the Chinese empire was divided into three warring kingdoms. This decisive period in Chinese history became a subject of intense and continuing interest to historians, poets, and dramatists. Writing some 1,200 years later, the Ming author Luo Guanzhong drew on this rich literary heritage to fashion a sophisticated, compelling narrative that has become the Chinese national epic. Luo''s novel offers a startling and unsparing view of how power is wielded, how diplomacy is conducted, and how wars are planned and fought; it has influenced the ways the Chinese think about power, diplomacy, and war even to this day. As important for Chinese culture as the Homeric epics have been for the West, this Ming dynasty masterpiece continues to be widely influential in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and remains a great work of world literature. The University of California Press is pleased to make the complete and unabridged translation available again.
""The Three Kingdoms" gives us "The Iliad" of China. First of the five great works of traditional prose fiction, this master narrative transforms history into epic and has thereby educated and entertained readers of five centuries with unforgettable exemplars of martial and civic virtue, of personal fidelity and political treachery. Moss Roberts''s translation, the first complete rendering in English, is one of surpassing excellence and impeccable scholarship. It should delight and captivate Western readers for many more years to come."--Anthony C. Yu, University of Chicago "Moss Roberts''s elegant and powerful translation of China''s most important historical romance has a stunning directness that aptly conveys the dramatic boldness of the original episodic narrative. English readers may now finally understand why this 15th-century novel so strategically shaped the political world-view of generations of Chinese."--Frederic Wakeman, Director of the Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California, Berkeley Three Kingdoms tells the story of the fateful last reign of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), when the Chinese empire was divided into three warring kingdoms. This decisive period in Chinese history became a subject of intense and continuing interest to historians, poets, and dramatists. Writing some 1,200 years later, the Ming author Luo Guanzhong drew on this rich literary heritage to fashion a sophisticated, compelling narrative that has become the Chinese national epic. Luo''s novel offers a startling and unsparing view of how power is wielded, how diplomacy is conducted, and how wars are planned and fought; it has influenced the ways the Chinese think about power, diplomacy, and war even to this day. As important for Chinese culture as the Homeric epics have been for the West, this Ming dynasty masterpiece continues to be widely influential in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and remains a great work of world literature. The University of California Press is pleased to make the complete and unabridged translation available again.
Romance dos Três Reinos é uma profunda exploração de lealdade, ambição e do delicado equilíbrio de poder durante um período tumultuado da história chinesa. Luo Guanzhong aborda as complexas relações
History of the Three Kingdoms is a monumental work that delves into themes of loyalty, ambition, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships against the backdrop of war and political strife. Luo Guanzhong offers a vivid portrayal of the waning Han dynasty, depicting a world where alliances are fleeting, and individuals often prioritize personal gain over collective good. Through the tales of characters like Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Quan, the novel explores the complexities of leadership and the moral dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of power.Since its publication, Three Kingdoms has been celebrated as a cornerstone of Chinese literature, renowned for its intricate narrative and profound philosophical insights. The novel has inspired numerous adaptations across different media, including films, television series, and video games, cementing its legacy in global culture. Characters like Zhuge Liang and Guan Yu have become iconic symbols of wisdom and loyalty, contributing to their enduring relevance in discussions of heroism and ethics.The work remains significant today due to its exploration of timeless human struggles, such as betrayal, sacrifice, and the quest for justice. By examining the delicate balance between personal ambition and societal responsibility, Three Kingdoms offers insights that resonate far beyond its historical setting, providing lessons on leadership, strategy, and morality that are still relevant in contemporary society.
