Description
"One of the great novels of world literature...to the Chinese as Proust is to the French or Karamazov to the Russians." --Anthony West, literary critic
Dream of the Red Chamber (also known as The Story of the Stone) is renowned for its epic scope, rich psychological characterizations and telling observations on family life and the role of women in Chinese society. One of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature, along with Journey to the West, The Water Margin, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms; Dream of the Red Chamber is widely regarded as the greatest Chinese classical novel, and one of the greatest works of world literature ever written.
The "red chamber" refers to a sheltered area in wealthy households where daughters were confined until married--a veritable prison where dreams of true love wither. This sweeping tale tells of the rise and fall of rival branches of the wealthy Jia family, who live in lavish adjacent compounds surrounded by a lush, private garden.
The story opens with the birth of Jia Baoyu, heir apparent and darling of the women in the Jia household. A free-thinker and idealist, Baoyu soon rebels against his stern father, who refuses to allow his son to pursue a romantic affair with Lin Daiyu--a headstrong and intelligent woman who shares his love of music and poetry. Baoyu is forced instead to marry Xue Baochai, an equally talented and beautiful woman but someone with whom he has no emotional connection. The fates of the star-crossed lovers and their families slowly unravel as this tragic story unfolds.
Dream of the Red Chamber, although written by a man, is said to be one of the first great works of women's literature. The author, Cao Xueqin, is thought to have written the novel as a memorial to the inspiring women he knew in his youth.
Reviews
"One of the great novels of world literature...to the Chinese as Proust is to the French or Karamazov to the Russians." --Anthony West, literary critic
"Of all the classic Chinese novels, [Dream of the Red Chamber] is indisputably the greatest masterpiece. It is...an individualistic work of fiction, clearly expressing the artistic vision of a single literary genius." --Frederick Wakeman, Chinese literary expert
"Dream of the Red Chamber is a masterpiece that has been called the 'book of the millennium' and it is high time it receives the attention it deserves" --The Guardian
Book Information
ISBN 9780804856744
Author Cao Xueqin
Format Paperback
Page Count 992
Imprint Tuttle Publishing
Publisher Tuttle Publishing
Weight(grams) 822g
Dream of the Red Chamber (also known as The Story of the Stone) is renowned for its epic scope, rich psychological characterizations and telling observations on family life and the role of women in Chinese society. One of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature, along with Journey to the West, The Water Margin, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms; Dream of the Red Chamber is widely regarded as the greatest Chinese classical novel, and one of the greatest works of world literature ever written.
The "red chamber" refers to a sheltered area in wealthy households where daughters were confined until married--a veritable prison where dreams of true love wither. This sweeping tale tells of the rise and fall of rival branches of the wealthy Jia family, who live in lavish adjacent compounds surrounded by a lush, private garden.
The story opens with the birth of Jia Baoyu, heir apparent and darling of the women in the Jia household. A free-thinker and idealist, Baoyu soon rebels against his stern father, who refuses to allow his son to pursue a romantic affair with Lin Daiyu--a headstrong and intelligent woman who shares his love of music and poetry. Baoyu is forced instead to marry Xue Baochai, an equally talented and beautiful woman but someone with whom he has no emotional connection. The fates of the star-crossed lovers and their families slowly unravel as this tragic story unfolds.
Dream of the Red Chamber, although written by a man, is said to be one of the first great works of women's literature. The author, Cao Xueqin, is thought to have written the novel as a memorial to the inspiring women he knew in his youth.
Reviews
"One of the great novels of world literature...to the Chinese as Proust is to the French or Karamazov to the Russians." --Anthony West, literary critic
"Of all the classic Chinese novels, [Dream of the Red Chamber] is indisputably the greatest masterpiece. It is...an individualistic work of fiction, clearly expressing the artistic vision of a single literary genius." --Frederick Wakeman, Chinese literary expert
"Dream of the Red Chamber is a masterpiece that has been called the 'book of the millennium' and it is high time it receives the attention it deserves" --The Guardian
Book Information
ISBN 9780804856744
Author Cao Xueqin
Format Paperback
Page Count 992
Imprint Tuttle Publishing
Publisher Tuttle Publishing
Weight(grams) 822g
