Readings in Classic Chinese Short Stories

This book introduces twelve short stories selected from the ""Yushi Mingyan"", ""Jingshi Tongyan"", and ""Xingshi Hengyan"" anthologies edited by the late Ming writer Feng Menglong (1574-1646). Drawn largly from real-life experiences and folklores, these stories offer to students a rich source of information concerning the customs, beliefs, and everyday lives of ordinary people in Ming society. This selection is thus made with a view to stimulating students to learn more about Chinese literature and culture. Teachers will welcome this reader as a valuable resource that combines language learning with an introduction to Chinese literature. Besides, the use of Vernacular Chinese in these stories makes the book a bridging text between Classical and Modern Chinese. Each story is presented, on facing pages, with a list of words and phrases still in use today. Each story is accompanied by an exercise, with discussion topics that encourage students to sharpen their writing and speaking skills. A vocabulary index is appended for easy reference. This book can be used as a supplement to any Mandarin Chinese textbook, as well as reading materials for independent learners.