The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei, Vol. 1: The Gathering

by David Tod Roy (translator)

Paperback, 1997

Status

Available

Call number

895

Publication

Princeton University Press (1997), Paperback, 520 pages

Description

In this first of a planned five-volume set, David Roy provides a complete and annotated translation of the famous Chin P'ing Mei, an anonymous sixteenth-century Chinese novel that focuses on the domestic life of Hsi-men Ch'ing, a corrupt, upwardly mobile merchant in a provincial town, who maintains a harem of six wives and concubines. This work, known primarily for its erotic realism, is also a landmark in the development of the narrative art form--not only from a specifically Chinese perspective but in a world-historical context.

User reviews

LibraryThing member ifjuly

there is nothing like david tod roy's translation of this in chinese literature, at least i've never found anything that even comes close. so much chinese translation comes off as fruity in the silliest way to me--i know, not exactly an academic impression--even in established greats like the

recent dream of the red chamber translation. but this is amazing. i want to send roy chocolates or flowers in gratitude, and as a bribe to get him to bring out the last 2 volumes already (still haven't bought the 3rd as it hasn't come out in paperback yet...)! other than rabelais, this is my favorite classic of all time. it transcends all.

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LibraryThing member questbird

Like Story of the Stone, the Plum in the Golden Vase is a dense work with many characters, but focused on one household. However the characters are generally mean, spiteful, corrupt or generally unenlightened. The plot is a train wreck a-coming for these characters, but in the meantime filled with

details (including sexual details, which has earned this book some undeserved ill-repute) of their excesses and relationships. One noteworthy aspect of this work is its frequent references to popular songs, stories and poems of the day. These are worked into the text but as quotations, not just at the beginning of a chapter but all the way through.

Not since the Story of the Stone have I been able to immerse myself in such an excellent work of Chinese literature as this, translated (I assume) and interpreted very well by David Tod Roy. I agree with the author's Confucian reading of the text. He describes the story as a critique of a corrupt society, with Hsi-men Ching's neighbourhood and its internal relationships an analogy to the empire as a whole. I found my reading was enhanced by having studied some Chinese philosophy.

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LibraryThing member Lucy_Skywalker

I read this book when I was nine and almost finished when my mother noticed it was missing from her shelf, so she thought it was too late to take it away from me ;~)

LibraryThing member hemlokgang

This tale is significant for a number of reasons. It is a scathing social commentary and a wild romp of sex, lies, manipulations and more. What I find intellectually interesting are the similarities between the 12th century as written about in the 16th century and current times. Human flaws haven't

changed much over time. I am not sure what that means for humanity! Although this is a lengthy book, the action moves it along quickly. An excellent combination of literary romp and Chinese social history.

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