Strange Tales from Liaozhai - Vol. 2The weird and whimsical short stories in Strange Tales from Liaozhai show their author, Pu Songling (1640-1715), to be both an explorer of the macabre, like Edgar Allan Poe, and a moralist, like Aesop. In this first complete translation of the collection's 494 stories into English, readers will encounter supernatural creatures, natural disasters, magical aspects of Buddhist and Daoist spirituality, and a wide range of Chinese folklore. Annotations are provided to clarify unfamiliar references or cultural allusions, and introductory essays have been included to explain facets of Pu Songling's work and to provide context for some of the unique qualities of his uncanny tales. This is the second of 6 volumes. |
From inside the book
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... gate, learning that their daughter had been dead for two days. Grief-stricken, Zhang proceeded to the room set up as a memorial for her. Then he described what he had dreamt to Lu. Lu followed his instructions, calling her spirit to ...
... gate, begging for alms. Han's servant tossed him some money and corn, but he wouldn't accept it; nor would he go away. The servant became angry and went back inside without turning back to look at him. Han heard a pounding at the door ...
... gate. As they entered it, the courtyard appeared completely renovated, with tall, elegant pavilions now attached. Amazed, Han said, “It's been a long time since we came here—when was the construction done?” The priest replied, “The work ...
... gate and recommended himself. The master of the house invited him in. The scholar's words were open-minded and frank, so he and his host got along quite well together. Once the xiucai had identified his family name as Hu, the master ...
... gate. The master welcomed him, and then they went inside. The guest was over fifty, his clothing and shoes fresh and clean, his manner calm and refined. Once they were seated, the visitor explained that his reason for coming was to ...