Tower for the Summer Heat Paperback – April 15, 1998

Don't think of these as 17th century stories, though they certainly are. Instead, this readable translation brings an easy flow and modern language to these half-dozen episodes. And don't think of it as just Chinese, even though Chinese history and culture pervade each story. Like all good literature, these show that loyalty, lust, the urge for revenge, and family joy are human qualities, where- and when-ever humans might live.The first of these stories, "A Tower for Summer Heat," uses that Western novelty, the telescope, to gain an edge in the mating game. Although sneaky, the suitor has basically kind intent, though, and his eventual wife takes his ploy in good spirit when he reveals it to her. "House of Gathered Refinements" has some unrefined moments, but offers a working lesson in being careful who you wrong, and how. The last story, "Nativity Room," presents a wildly improbable tale of family separations, hidden identities, and joyous reunions worthy of Shakespeare at his finest. The Bard, incidentally, wrote not that long before Li Yu did, and their lives overlapped even if they could never have crossed.Hanan has done an outstanding job of translating these stories, as he has with other bawdy Chinese classics. I recommend these to anyone with an interest in Eastern culture - and, come to think of it, to anyone.-- wiredweird

This book consists of six short stories from an original collection of twelve stories by the 17th century Chinese literati writer Li Yu. They are wonderfully translated by Patrick Hanan, whose renditions make each story both fresh and interesting to western audiences. Most of the narratives are propelled by the theme of Karma as well as Daoist imperatives for transformation, balance and harmony. Although each and every story is engaging, I recommend three in particular. In "A Tower for the Summer Heat" events are propelled forward because of the hero's possession of a telescope, which allows him to spy on a young woman and therefore appear to her as an all-seeing immortal. "House of Gathered Refinements" is totally focused on male homosexual relationships and how these play themselves out in the economic and political realities of the day. "Nativity Room" is an absolutely amazingly conceived and eminently satisfying narrative of the convoluted workings of the cosmic karmic rewards of Confucian filial piety.

If you are a Li Yu fan, you must know that Patrick Hanan is the best biographer and English translator of Li Yu out there. No question: Hanan has single-handedly updated Li Yu for the modern literary enthusiast. A witty addition to your Li Yu collection. Who would have thought Ming short stories could be so awesome, accessible, and funny.

From start to finish this another masterpiece! Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Needed this for a class

Wenn man die Geschichten, die in diesem Band versammelt sind, gelesen hat, glaubt man kaum, dass sie schon 350 Jahre alt sind. Li Yu schreibt in einem wunderbaren, fließenden Stil und lässt den Leser komplett in eine uns fremde Welt versinken. Die Geschichten erlauben einen einmaligen Einblick in die chinesische Gesellschaft von der Song- bis zur Ming-Dynastie, und erzählen dabei vergnügliche, unglaubliche und durchaus auch erotische Ereignisse. Li Yu verwendet dabei sehr viel Charme und Witz (kein Slapstick-Witz, sondern mehr versteckte Ironie und teils Satire), und die meisten der Geschichten enthalten eine Moral, die aber dem Leser nicht aufgezwängt, sondern in sehr souveräner Art und Weise vorgehalten werden.Ich persönlich halte Li Yu für einen der besten chinesischen Autoren überhaupt; während die großen Klassiker wie "Three Kingdoms" oder "Journey to the West" zwar inhaltlich spannender und interessanter sind, sind sie aber stilistisch wenig aufregend und sehr prosaisch. Li Yu vermag dagegen selbst triviale Ereignisse elegant und unterhaltsam zu schildern und eine zauberhafte Geschichte daraus zu weben, zum Beispiel aus einem einfachen Teleskop ein Sozialsatire der chinesischen Geschichte und Kultur zu machen. Man mag sich gar nicht ausmalen, wie fantastisch z.B. "Three Kingdoms" gewesen wäre, hätte Li Yu es überarbeitet.