Chinese Culture Through Legends and Fiction

This is a collection of selected and translated Chinese legends and tales arranged under specific topics important to Chinese culture, with an introduction and reading guide for each piece. Comprised of 4 parts covering Confucian culture, Daoist culture, Buddhist culture and topics beyond the Three Teachings, the sources featured in this anthology include legends, fictional works, historical texts, as well as philosophical texts of ancient China, ranging from the Han -dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) to the Qing -dynasty (1644-1911). Helping readers learn about Chinese customs, traditions, and values by immersing them in the wonderful world of traditional China, with the compelling legends and tales revealing the fascinating meshwork of Chinese culture, this book is an invaluable text for students and scholars of Chinese literature, culture and history, as well as general readers with an interest in China.

Zhenjun Zhang is Professor of Chinese in the Department of World Languages, Cultures, and Media at St Lawrence University, USA, and co-editor (with Victor Mair) of Routledge Handbook of Traditional Chinese Literature.

Part 1: Confucian Culture 1. Loyal Subjects 2. Filial Sons 3. Chaste Wives 4. Respectful Brothers 5. Trustworthy Friends 6. Dutiful Individuals Part 2: Daoist Culture 7. Carefree Wanderers 8. Seekers of the Dao 9. Exemplary Immortals 10. Daoist Magicians 11. Descended Goddesses 12. Immortal Land Adventurers Part 3: Buddhist Culture 13. People of Multiple Lives 14. Travelers in Hells 15. Buddhist Saviors 16. Receivers of Current-Life Retribution 17. Legendary Monks & Nuns 18. Dream Adventurers Part 4: Topics beyond the "Three Teachings" 19. The Knight-Errant 20. The Brave Warrior 21. The Ungrateful Man 22. The Heartless Lover 23. The Dedicated Lover 24. The Predestined Couple 25. The Ghost Wife 26. The Spirit Maiden