audiobook
This volume gathers a lively assortment of Chinese tales and short narratives, drawn from a range of ancient collections. Readers will encounter whimsical fox spirits, a monk’s daring escape from flood‑filled waters, and a legendary dragon‑king’s court, each rooted in folklore, history, or Buddhist adventure. The stories vary in tone—from the gentle moral of a broken lute to the striking courtroom drama of the stone lion—offering a kaleidoscopic portrait of the values and imagination that have shaped Chinese culture for centuries.
The translations were undertaken with great care, guided by a seasoned professor of Chinese language and literature. While the translators acknowledge the inevitable challenges of conveying subtle allusions and poetic nuances, they strive to preserve the original’s graceful simplicity and vivid imagery. Listening to these narratives provides a gentle yet insightful window into a literary tradition that, though often overlooked, remains rich with humor, wonder, and timeless human concerns.
Language
fr
Duration
~6 hours (391K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Madeleine Fournier and Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by Gallica, Bibliothèque nationale de France.)
Release date
2014-04-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.