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Outlaws of the Marsh Well, I finally finished the classic "Outlaws of the Marsh," (Sometimes called "Water Margin") 2141 pages in four volumes. It took a while since I am busy with other things too. Written by Shi Nai'an and Luo Guanzhong in the fourteenth century. Translated by Sidney Shapiro from Foreign Language Press in Beijing. This is a very easy read, quite unlike the last Chinese classic I read, "Dream of Red Mansions." "Outlaws of the Marsh" is kind of like the old Hong Kong style kung fu movies of the 1970's; nearly constant martial action, huge battles, intrigue and all kinds of wild stuff. It is set in the Song Dynasty of the early 1100s. The basics of the story is that a bunch of stalwart fellows, ex-officials or just plain bandits, get wronged in one way or another by corrupt officials, flee, all ending up at a mountain fortress surrounded by an impenetrable marsh. Over time they gather strength, and the government try's to get rid of them but can't. But, their leader is still loyal to the Emperor and hopes for amnesty. The story is roughly based on actual events and legends, handed down, and finally put to writing by the above authors. While it is quite long, it's a great story, and truly a classic. Next up, "Journey to the West." |
