This abridged edition introduces readers to the flow, power, and drama of a classic Chinese novel, beloved in East Asia yet largely unknown in the West. It is an epic historical narrative that charts the thousand years leading to the unification of China under the First Emperor. Written fourteen hundred years later by Ming-era author Feng Menglong, the novel draws on a wealth of literary and historical documents to create a gripping account of how China was formed. Translated into English for the first time, it recounts the triumphs and tragedies of this millennium through unforgettable characters who shaped their era. This edition distills the novel's distinct style and its most dramatic episodes into a single volume, maintaining the spirit and excitement of the original. It weaves together nine pivotal storylines, some widely known and others less familiar, allowing readers to experience the intensity of significant events that influenced daily lives, loves, and struggles. Notably, powerful women play a prominent role, reflecting their importance in both the novel and Chinese history. While many historical works recount these events, few are as thrilling and memorable as this narrative.
