Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue: A Literary Translation of the First Chinese Novel, Wu Yue chunqiu
An approachable and readable translation of a classic work of Chinese literature and landmark work of non-Western fiction writing.

A Tale of Two Kingdoms offers a highly readable translation of the earliest surviving novel written in the Chinese language, Wu Yue chunqiu (The Spring and Autumn Annals of the Kingdoms of Wu and Yue). Composed nearly two millennia ago and featuring some of the most famous characters in Chinese literature, this powerful saga of humiliation, violence, and revenge recounts the battles between the states of Wu and Yue during the Spring and Autumn period (770–481 BCE). In her detailed introduction and annotations, translator Olivia Milburn places the work in its historical and cultural context and explains its ongoing significance in the history of fiction writing in East Asia, making the case that this was, in fact, China's first novel. This approachable translation by one of the leading scholars in the field makes this key text available to specialist and nonspecialist readers alike.

1144996156
Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue: A Literary Translation of the First Chinese Novel, Wu Yue chunqiu
An approachable and readable translation of a classic work of Chinese literature and landmark work of non-Western fiction writing.

A Tale of Two Kingdoms offers a highly readable translation of the earliest surviving novel written in the Chinese language, Wu Yue chunqiu (The Spring and Autumn Annals of the Kingdoms of Wu and Yue). Composed nearly two millennia ago and featuring some of the most famous characters in Chinese literature, this powerful saga of humiliation, violence, and revenge recounts the battles between the states of Wu and Yue during the Spring and Autumn period (770–481 BCE). In her detailed introduction and annotations, translator Olivia Milburn places the work in its historical and cultural context and explains its ongoing significance in the history of fiction writing in East Asia, making the case that this was, in fact, China's first novel. This approachable translation by one of the leading scholars in the field makes this key text available to specialist and nonspecialist readers alike.

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Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue: A Literary Translation of the First Chinese Novel, Wu Yue chunqiu

Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue: A Literary Translation of the First Chinese Novel, Wu Yue chunqiu

Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue: A Literary Translation of the First Chinese Novel, Wu Yue chunqiu

Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue: A Literary Translation of the First Chinese Novel, Wu Yue chunqiu

Overview

An approachable and readable translation of a classic work of Chinese literature and landmark work of non-Western fiction writing.

A Tale of Two Kingdoms offers a highly readable translation of the earliest surviving novel written in the Chinese language, Wu Yue chunqiu (The Spring and Autumn Annals of the Kingdoms of Wu and Yue). Composed nearly two millennia ago and featuring some of the most famous characters in Chinese literature, this powerful saga of humiliation, violence, and revenge recounts the battles between the states of Wu and Yue during the Spring and Autumn period (770–481 BCE). In her detailed introduction and annotations, translator Olivia Milburn places the work in its historical and cultural context and explains its ongoing significance in the history of fiction writing in East Asia, making the case that this was, in fact, China's first novel. This approachable translation by one of the leading scholars in the field makes this key text available to specialist and nonspecialist readers alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781438499345
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Publication date: 03/02/2025
Series: SUNY series, Translating China
Pages: 310
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Olivia Milburn is Professor in the School of Chinese at Hong Kong University. She is the author of The Empress in the Pepper Chamber: Zhao Feiyan in History and Fiction and Urbanization in Early and Medieval China: Gazetteers for the City of Suzhou. Her previous translations include Kingdoms in Peril, by Feng Menglong; The Spring and Autumn Annals of Master Yan; and The Glory of Yue: An Annotated Translation of the Yuejue shu.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Textual History of the Wu Yue Chunqiu
The Reception of the Wu Yue Chunqiu
Narrative in the Wu Yue Chunqiu
Translator's Note
Timeline of the Kings of Wu and Yue
Timeline of Events in the Wu Yue Chunqiu

1. The Traditions: The Story of the Great Lord Protector of Wu

2. The Traditions: The Story of King Shoumeng of Wu

3. The Traditions: The Story of How King Liao Employed Prince Guang

4. The Inner Traditions: The Story of King Helü of Wu

5. The Inner Traditions: The Story of King Fuchai of Wu

6. The Outer Traditions: The Story of King Wuyu of Yue

7. The Outer Traditions: The Story of King Goujian of Yue Becoming a Vassal

8. The Outer Traditions: The Story of King Goujian Returning to His Country

9. The Outer Traditions: The Story of King Goujian's Conspiracy

10. The Outer Traditions: The Story of King Goujian's Attack on Wu

Appendix: The Chinese Text
Bibliography
Index

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