Myths and Legends of China

By E.T.C. Werner

Book Overview

In "Myths and Legends of China," E. T. C. Werner intricately weaves a tapestry of traditional Chinese folklore, illuminating a rich heritage that spans centuries. Werner employs a vivid and engaging literary style, meticulously translating and interpreting ancient tales while maintaining their cultural essence. The book is structured around well-known myths, legends, and historical narratives, presenting them within their socio-political contexts, which allows readers to appreciate the depth and nuances of these stories in relation to China's broader cultural landscape. E. T. C. Werner was a distinguished Sinologist, whose profound understanding of Chinese literature and culture informed his writing. His experiences living in China and engaging with its people equipped him with unique insights into the narratives that shape Chinese identity. Werner's passion for classical texts and folklore was a driving force behind this seminal work, contributing to a greater understanding of the interplay between myth and reality in Chinese history. Recommended for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of mythology, "Myths and Legends of China" serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking to delve into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Chinese folklore. Werner's articulate storytelling not only entertains but also educates, making the complexities of Chinese mythology accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 8027388287
• ISBN13: 9788027388288
• Release Date: June 2024
• Publisher: E-Artnow
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

pre-modern orientalist perspective; excellent depth, breadth

To appreciate this book you must take it with a grain of salt (or several). The author is a an old school orientalist, writing in the days when the Chinese Empire still had an emperor and was thoroughly infilitrated by colonial powers (fyi, thats before WWII). To a modern reader Werner seems condescending, but you can tell he has a genuine love for Chinese culture and people even when he is moralizing about the failures of their society at the time. In any event, the depth and breadth of the compilation of myths and tales is excellent, as is the historical context that the author provides. The only flaw is that the order and index is not quite as clear as you might like - several tales are told together in a single chapter, and references to characters in other tales are not always clear due to the numerous names used for some mythological figures. If you can get a version with the original color prints, its a real plus.