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. |
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... replied, “I could sense your feelings towards me, and I couldn't help but forget the usual concerns about reputation and run here to meet you.” Zhang was overjoyed, and together they were rapturously in love. From then on, he spent no ...
... replied, “Wait for me to go to Hebei, and once I return, I'll marry.” He calculated the time remaining until the appointed day, then arranged for servants and horses to accompany him to Hebei. He searched for information about Minister ...
... replied, “I'm just like you—a pair of shoulders holding up a mouth.” Xu, ashamed, found himself unable to reply. The Daoist remarked, “Nevertheless, I've been sincerely thinking about my gratitude to you for a long time, so I'll do my ...
... replied, “We know for a fact that your daughter is available, so why reject the proposal this way?” Over and over again he persisted, but the host was resolute. With an embarrassed look, the visitor exclaimed, “Mr. Hu is also from a ...
... replied, “I have a little sister who's a year younger than your son, and really quite attractive. What about offering her as his wife?” The host stood to bow respectfully, and Hu replied with his own bow. Thereupon they toasted each ...