Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Milano, Bompiani
Description
In the 300 years since its initial publication, Li Yu's book has been widely read in China, where it is recognized as a benchmark of erotic literature and currently enjoys the distinction of being a banned-in-Beijing classic.
User reviews
LibraryThing member gbill
Li Yu states this is a morality tale, and indeed ‘what comes around goes around’ when it comes to adultery in the plot of The Carnal Prayer Mat. He emphasizes the need to focus on that message, while (wink wink nudge nudge) salaciously describing acts that would get the book banned throughout
On the other hand, this is a light, reasonably fun read, and I admire Li Yu for flouting convention and being so original and daring in 1657. Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (or Fanny Hill), written 100 years later in the West, may be more delightful for the beauty of its prose and probably more, er, arousing, but The Carnal Prayer Mat is better as mocking satire of anything and everything, from puritanical Confucianism to the peccadilloes and self-importance of his characters. You sense the author is making light of them all, and in doing so, making light of us to this day, smiling at us devilishly across time and space.
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the years and in present day China. As for the erotica, it’s laugh out loud funny in some places, and in others a confirmation that men’s insecurities and silly fantasies have changed very little over time. If you’re looking for either a morality story or (I suppose more likely given its reputation) a steamy novel in isolation, you may be disappointed.On the other hand, this is a light, reasonably fun read, and I admire Li Yu for flouting convention and being so original and daring in 1657. Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (or Fanny Hill), written 100 years later in the West, may be more delightful for the beauty of its prose and probably more, er, arousing, but The Carnal Prayer Mat is better as mocking satire of anything and everything, from puritanical Confucianism to the peccadilloes and self-importance of his characters. You sense the author is making light of them all, and in doing so, making light of us to this day, smiling at us devilishly across time and space.
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LibraryThing member questbird
The Before Midnight Scholar spurns Buddhist enlightenment in favour of the 'prayer mat of the flesh'. He seeks and finds erotic experience. Although its descriptions of erotic activity are quite explicit, I would call this more a ribald novel (maybe like 'Tom Jones') than a pornographic or purely
Ultimately the tale is a moral one, with just punishments and repentance. There is an earnest afterword by the author which urges men to stick to their own wives and enjoy sex in moderation.
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erotic one. Unlike a pornography, the actions of the vain scholar have consequences, including pregnancies, tragedy and death. Nevertheless the tone of most of the book is quite light and humorous, even mocking at times. The novel pokes fun at Confucianism, Buddhism, the vanity of academic scholars and the virtue of ladies. The characters are well described. There are some great supporting characters such as K'un-lun's Rival the noble bandit, Dr Iron Door the prudish Confucian scholar and the itinerant surgeon who operates on the Before Midnight Scholar's appendage.Ultimately the tale is a moral one, with just punishments and repentance. There is an earnest afterword by the author which urges men to stick to their own wives and enjoy sex in moderation.
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LibraryThing member AliceAnna
[SPOILER] What a downer. Nothing like a self-mutilating castration at the end of an erotic novel to make you feel frisky!
Language
Original language
Chinese
Original publication date
1657