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The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei, Volume Two: The Rivals (Princeton Library of Asian Translations),New
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The second volume of a celebrated translation of the classic Chinese novelThis is the second volume in David Roy's celebrated translation of one of the most famous and important novels in Chinese literature. The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin Ping Mei is an anonymous sixteenthcentury work that focuses on the domestic life of Hsimen Ching, a corrupt, upwardly mobile merchant in a provincial town, who maintains a harem of six wives and concubines. The novel, known primarily for its erotic realism, is also a landmark in the development of the narrative art formnot only from a specifically Chinese perspective but in a worldhistorical context.With the possible exception of The Tale of Genji (1010) and Don Quixote (1615), there is no earlier work of prose fiction of equal sophistication in world literature. Although its importance in the history of Chinese narrative has long been recognized, the technical virtuosity of the author, which is more reminiscent of the Dickens of Bleak House, the Joyce of Ulysses, or the Nabokov of Lolita than anything in the earlier Chinese fiction tradition, has not yet received adequate recognition. This is partly because all of the existing European translations are either abridged or based on an inferior recension of the text. This translation and its annotation aim to faithfully represent and elucidate all the rhetorical features of the original in its most authentic form and thereby enable the Western reader to appreciate this Chinese masterpiece at its true worth.
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- Q: What is the main theme of The Plum in the Golden Vase? A: The main theme of The Plum in the Golden Vase revolves around the domestic life of Hsi-men Ch’ing, a corrupt merchant, exploring themes of desire, power, and morality through his relationships with six wives and concubines.
- Q: Who is the translator of this edition? A: This edition is translated by David Roy, who is recognized for his celebrated translation that aims to faithfully represent the original text.
- Q: What makes this novel significant in world literature? A: The Plum in the Golden Vase is significant as it is one of the earliest works of prose fiction, showcasing sophisticated narrative techniques comparable to those found in works like Don Quixote and The Tale of Genji.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers unfamiliar with Chinese literature? A: Yes, this book is suitable for readers unfamiliar with Chinese literature as the translation and annotations by David Roy help elucidate the text's rhetorical features, making it accessible to a Western audience.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is listed as 'New', indicating that it is in pristine condition and has not been previously owned.
- Q: How many pages does this volume contain? A: This volume contains 720 pages, providing an in-depth experience of the narrative.
- Q: What is the binding type of this edition? A: This edition is a paperback binding, which makes it lightweight and portable.
- Q: When was this edition of the book published? A: This edition was published on May 28, 2006.
- Q: Does this book contain any illustrations or images? A: The product details do not specify any illustrations or images, focusing instead on the text and translation.
- Q: Can this book be considered a classic? A: Yes, The Plum in the Golden Vase is considered a classic of Chinese literature, recognized for its literary value and historical significance.