Library of Chinese Classics: Outlaws of the Marsh

Outlaws of the Marsh (also known as Water Margin, All Men Are Brothers, Men of the Marshes, or The Marshes of Mount Liang) in the five book hardback set from Library of Chinese Classics. This book is in English and simplified Chinese and is a wonderful addition to any library. There are approximately 3080 pages and this set of 5 books was published in 2003. This contains the complete and unabridged Outlaws of the Marsh, preserving faithfully both the style and content of the original text.

Outlaws of the Marsh in Chinese and EnglishOutlaws of the Marsh Synopsis

Outlaws of the Marsh is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, mainly written by Shi Nai’an, although the exact authorship of other parts of the book is unclear. Outlaws of the Marsh is based on the outlaw Song Jiang and his 36 companions. The group was active in the Huai River region and surrendered to the government in 1121. They were recorded in History of the Song Dynasty of the Twenty-Four Histories. The name of “Song Jiang” appeared in the chapter of Emperor Huizong of Song while the activities of the outlaw group were mentioned in the chapter for Zhang Shuye. This book has been eternally popular, with Japanese translations dating back to the 18th century.

Outlaws of the Marsh is part of The Library of Chinese Classics and there are over 60 books in the series so far.