The Ch'i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories - Hardcover

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Grade 4-7?A collection of 10 Chinese stories derived from the history of the Warring States Period (770-221 B.C.E.) and from operatic versions of popular tales. Retellings are vivid, lively, and read aloud well. Many have a moral, and all are entertaining; some, like the eponymous story, are quite moving. "The Two Miss Peonys" has appeared in its Sino-Vietnamese version in Lynette Vuong's The Golden Carp (Lothrop, 1993). A list of sources with Fang's commentary is appended, including admission of any changes?in all but one case minor?to the original material. A pronunciation guide and glossary appear in the back of the book. In the former, the author explains with specious reasoning her misguided decision to use the antiquated, inaccurate Wade-Giles transcription for Chinese names and terms; even on its own terms, this guide leaves lots unexplained. Also, defining Chinese terms in a glossary instead of in context only impedes the narrative flow. The black-and-white illustrations?one per selection?are graceful, depicting widely different epochs with amazing accuracy. Except for the aforementioned flaws, this is a charming collection.?John Philbrook, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Fang, a professional storyteller, makes her publishing debut with nine nimbly told tales. Classic Chinese operas and novels are Fang's principal sources; reportedly, these stories appear here in English for the first time. The plots tend to be more elaborate than those in similar collections, often involving not one but several twists of fate or reversals of fortune. A pronunciation guide and glossary at the end of the volume will help readers cope with the sprinkling of Chinese names and terms. Although the meanings of these words are not always clear from the context ("Mr. Yeh... picked up the ch'ien holder from the altar, drew out two ch'ien, and threw them on the ground"), their use fortifies the already strong ambiance. Adult devotees of Chinese culture and international folklore should check out Fang's unusually informative source notes. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 3-5. As a professional storyteller, Fang uses the tales she heard, read, and loved as a child in Shanghai. Now she has written down nine of those stories, whose origins are legends, novels, and operas hundreds of years old. Dramatic, humorous, and touching by turn, the stories often concern difficulties overcome by characters who are kind or clever or both. One amusing tale concerns a shopkeeper who demands justice when a poor man accidentally slops a foul-smelling liquid in front of his coat shop. The wise magistrate who happens by gives the merchant more justice than he had hoped for, and certainly more than he wanted. In another, a carp-fish spirit falls in love with a man, takes the form of a young woman, and gives up her immortality to become his bride. A full-page illustration (not seen) will accompany each of the nine stories. A pronunciation guide, glossary, and source notes are appended. A fine, flavorful collection of Chinese tales. Carolyn Phelan