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Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel. Abridged Edition
Three Kingdoms tells the story of the fateful last reign of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220) when the Chinese empire was divided into three warring kingdoms. Writing some twelve hundred years later, the Ming author Luo Guanzhong drew on histories, dramas, and poems portraying the crisis to fashion a sophisticated, compelling narrative that has become the Chinese national epic. This abridged edition captures the novel's intimate and unsparing view of how power is wielded, how diplomacy is conducted, and how wars are planned and fought. As important for Chinese culture as the Homeric epics have been for the West, this Ming dynasty masterpiece continues to be widely influential in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, and remains a great work of world literature.
This abridged edition is particularly useful for undergraduate courses. For the complete text, see the unabridged edition, now available in two parts: Part One; Part Two
This abridged edition is particularly useful for undergraduate courses. For the complete text, see the unabridged edition, now available in two parts: Part One; Part Two
504 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 1999
15 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Luo Guanzhong
705 books178 followersLuo Ben (c. 1330–1400), better known by his style name Luo Guanzhong (罗贯中) (Mandarin pronunciation: [lwɔ kwantʂʊŋ]), was a Chinese writer who lived during the Yuan Dynasty. He was also known by his pseudonym Huhai Sanren (Chinese: 湖海散人; pinyin: Húhǎi Sǎnrén; literally "Leisure Man of Lakes and Seas"). Luo was attributed with writing Romance of the Three Kingdoms and editing Water Margin, two of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 7, 2022
The rating reflects Robert’s skilled translation of what can be very vexing source material. Additionally, Three Kingdoms is just an awesome novel with so many memorable moments and characters to enrich such a fascinating historical period (in addition to being the shining star of Chinese literature).
I do have some questions for Roberts regarding which chapters to include for this abridged version. In particular I question why he spends so much time on the Liu Biao era (the pre Kongming period when the 3 brothers are kinda all over the place) as well as the fall of Guan Yu. Roberts states that the Mao edition’s 3 central characters are Kongming, Guan Yu, and Cao Cao. We get a lot of Guan Yu material (way too much if you ask me, given Lü Bu is the cooler warrior), a decent amount of Kongming material (I admit his long lifespan makes it hard to fully cover his adventures, though Roberts does no favors by taking a while to introduce Kongming), and barely any Cao Cao. This last one is particularly egregious, for this being Three Kingdoms, we really only get the story of Shu and half of Wu (admittedly, the cooler half, when they wrecked Cao Cao and then the Peach Brothers). To the extent that there are Wei stories included, it is whenever Cao Cao interacts with Guan Yu or Liu Bei. Even Sima Yi seems to get comparatively more coverage, and this coverage isn’t that great (though I love the scene when Kongming sent him the dress).
I’m particularly puzzled by this omission, since Roberts explicitly warns of the danger of distorting Cao Cao’s image when telling the story (there is a tendency to over-vilify him). While not including much on him admittedly takes away from his more egregious acts, it also just paints him as a generic tyrant that Shu (and occasionally Wu) have to deal with.
I don’t want to overstate these issues. It is a long book, with a bunch of fantastic characters who necessarily won’t all be able to shine in 400 pages. In particular, I like how Roberts managed to squeeze in the accomplishments of Huang Gai, Gan Ning, Lu Su, Lu Xun, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu. Additionally, the few major moments that do get a lot of elaboration are written very well and do not feel chopped or neglected in the slightest.
I already knew a decent amount about Three Kingdoms going into this, so I cannot really say one way or the other if this is an ideal introductory text for newbies, but it is a delightfully manageable text nonetheless, with helpful timeline and character list in case you get overwhelmed.
Lesson to translators though….. “Be careful next time…”
I do have some questions for Roberts regarding which chapters to include for this abridged version. In particular I question why he spends so much time on the Liu Biao era (the pre Kongming period when the 3 brothers are kinda all over the place) as well as the fall of Guan Yu. Roberts states that the Mao edition’s 3 central characters are Kongming, Guan Yu, and Cao Cao. We get a lot of Guan Yu material (way too much if you ask me, given Lü Bu is the cooler warrior), a decent amount of Kongming material (I admit his long lifespan makes it hard to fully cover his adventures, though Roberts does no favors by taking a while to introduce Kongming), and barely any Cao Cao. This last one is particularly egregious, for this being Three Kingdoms, we really only get the story of Shu and half of Wu (admittedly, the cooler half, when they wrecked Cao Cao and then the Peach Brothers). To the extent that there are Wei stories included, it is whenever Cao Cao interacts with Guan Yu or Liu Bei. Even Sima Yi seems to get comparatively more coverage, and this coverage isn’t that great (though I love the scene when Kongming sent him the dress).
I’m particularly puzzled by this omission, since Roberts explicitly warns of the danger of distorting Cao Cao’s image when telling the story (there is a tendency to over-vilify him). While not including much on him admittedly takes away from his more egregious acts, it also just paints him as a generic tyrant that Shu (and occasionally Wu) have to deal with.
I don’t want to overstate these issues. It is a long book, with a bunch of fantastic characters who necessarily won’t all be able to shine in 400 pages. In particular, I like how Roberts managed to squeeze in the accomplishments of Huang Gai, Gan Ning, Lu Su, Lu Xun, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu. Additionally, the few major moments that do get a lot of elaboration are written very well and do not feel chopped or neglected in the slightest.
I already knew a decent amount about Three Kingdoms going into this, so I cannot really say one way or the other if this is an ideal introductory text for newbies, but it is a delightfully manageable text nonetheless, with helpful timeline and character list in case you get overwhelmed.
Lesson to translators though….. “Be careful next time…”
August 24, 2019
After playing Fate Grand Order I decided to read a little bit more on some of the characters in the game. I'm glad I did. The Three Kingdom's is a wonderful tale designed to give life lessons from the warring states period. Personally, I do have sympathy for Cao Cao though I know I should care about Liu Bei however I found him so focused on being honorable that he ended up getting way more people killed.
In all cases, this is a true classic.
In all cases, this is a true classic.
December 1, 2023
my chinese ancestors will be so proud of me for reading this. don't ask me how the story goes tho i had no idea what was going on like 95% of the time... i'm not smart enough to understand but my professor thinks i wrote good reflections on it and that's all that matters !!!
September 19, 2021
The abridged version focuses mostly on Shu, I'd like to read the unabridged sometime to get more story with Wei, and especially Jin, the kingdom which unified China at the end of the cycle.
October 24, 2025
Solid book, good translation, and I think a good abridgement as well.
This kind of book is hard to translate/read — written about 600 years ago, about events that happened 1700 years ago. Trying to parse the culture, names, and geography are all barriers. But I think Roberts’s translation navigates these things well and leaves a readable book.
The story is good — I think the GOT comparisons aren’t bad: there is drama, betrayal, espionage, etc. The perspective presented in the story is an interesting one (I would elaborate but don’t want to give spoilers) — and this choice is explored interestingly in Roberts’s afterword (which is worth reading).
Overall: I’d recommend for China enthusiasts. It certainly provides some famous personages, and also more generally moral lessons on government and leadership that are drawn on today.
This kind of book is hard to translate/read — written about 600 years ago, about events that happened 1700 years ago. Trying to parse the culture, names, and geography are all barriers. But I think Roberts’s translation navigates these things well and leaves a readable book.
The story is good — I think the GOT comparisons aren’t bad: there is drama, betrayal, espionage, etc. The perspective presented in the story is an interesting one (I would elaborate but don’t want to give spoilers) — and this choice is explored interestingly in Roberts’s afterword (which is worth reading).
Overall: I’d recommend for China enthusiasts. It certainly provides some famous personages, and also more generally moral lessons on government and leadership that are drawn on today.
July 1, 2025
I don't really know what's going on here, very complicated, but I really know that what I read was a masterpiece.
November 28, 2024
Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel (Abridged Edition) captures the heart of the original story. Although it is abridged, it still reflects the epic scale of the history and drama in an approachable and impactful way, and I believe that Moss Roberts does an overall effective job in his abridged translation, with the caveat that I have not read the original Chinese in its entirety to do a proper comparison. Overall, Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel (Abridged Edition) has ignited in me a greater interest in reading Chinese literature, and I absolutely understand why this is considered one of the "Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese Literature."
Personally, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the novel is the characters. I found so many of the characters to be super fascinating and nuanced. Early on, I was particularly interested in Cao Cao and how he offers an alternative perspective to Liu Bei’s, which is heavily rooted in Confucianism. Later, Zhuge Liang became another favorite of mine because his strategies were so satisfying to watch unfold. He becomes another foil to Cao Cao, where his virtues are set in contrast to Cao Cao’s shortcomings.
Beyond characters, one of the aspects that stood out to me was how stratagems and their outcomes reflect the underlying ideals of Confucianism, and this element added another layer to the already interesting plot, serving as a way of learning more about morality within Chinese society during the Ming Dynasty. In general, the novel makes a point to showcase that Confucianism is the best path through several examples of successful strategies are the result of adhering to Confucian morals and failed strategies are the consequence of characters violating the central tenets of Confucius’s teachings. However, there are moments where the situations and choices become even more complex, putting characters into moral dilemmas that are quite interesting. For example,
Ultimately, I would highly recommend Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel (Abridged Edition) to anyone interested in Chinese history and literature. Additionally, I would recommend it to anyone who loves sprawling epics involving large-scale politics, warfare, and nuanced interpersonal relationships.
Personally, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the novel is the characters. I found so many of the characters to be super fascinating and nuanced. Early on, I was particularly interested in Cao Cao and how he offers an alternative perspective to Liu Bei’s, which is heavily rooted in Confucianism. Later, Zhuge Liang became another favorite of mine because his strategies were so satisfying to watch unfold. He becomes another foil to Cao Cao, where his virtues are set in contrast to Cao Cao’s shortcomings.
Beyond characters, one of the aspects that stood out to me was how stratagems and their outcomes reflect the underlying ideals of Confucianism, and this element added another layer to the already interesting plot, serving as a way of learning more about morality within Chinese society during the Ming Dynasty. In general, the novel makes a point to showcase that Confucianism is the best path through several examples of successful strategies are the result of adhering to Confucian morals and failed strategies are the consequence of characters violating the central tenets of Confucius’s teachings. However, there are moments where the situations and choices become even more complex, putting characters into moral dilemmas that are quite interesting. For example,
Ultimately, I would highly recommend Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel (Abridged Edition) to anyone interested in Chinese history and literature. Additionally, I would recommend it to anyone who loves sprawling epics involving large-scale politics, warfare, and nuanced interpersonal relationships.
September 2, 2021
This abridgment of the full text amounts about one-quarter of the original's size and about three-quarters of the original story. Roberts presents key scenes and summarizes large portions for the reader. In all, one gets a full sense of the essential plot, which seems an amazing feat really, when one thinks about how complex this novel is.
The story recounted here essentially involves the three kingdoms period in China, just as the Han dynasty was ending and three kings fought for control of the land, leading eventually to the short-lived Sung dynasty and the domination of China by the Mongols.
In the book, the Hans are beset by a disloyal general in the north lands Tsao-Tsao. Although he proclaims his loyalty to the emperor, he is most certainly looking to gather power to himself. Poised against him is a southern kingdom that has broken away and Liu Pei, the book's hero. Liu Pei aims to restore the Han dynasty.
The book, however, starts on a more personal note. Liu Pei becomes friends with two men with whom he forges a pact—namely, that they will always look out for each other. These two men thus forge Pei's main helpers during the course of his attempt to restore the empire. However, the pact proves also to be Pei's downfall, as the killing of one of the men means that he has to take revenge for his death by attacking a potential ally, even though his real enemy is Tsao-Tsao. Indeed, it is Tsao-Tsao who got the potential ally to kill the friend, knowing it would distract Pei.
Roberts discusses the various themes in the book and the way in which Pei represents both ultimate duty and honor but also how that intransigence to such order can lead to one's downfall. The other characters have similar links to larger ideas that are played out in the plot of the book.
The story recounted here essentially involves the three kingdoms period in China, just as the Han dynasty was ending and three kings fought for control of the land, leading eventually to the short-lived Sung dynasty and the domination of China by the Mongols.
In the book, the Hans are beset by a disloyal general in the north lands Tsao-Tsao. Although he proclaims his loyalty to the emperor, he is most certainly looking to gather power to himself. Poised against him is a southern kingdom that has broken away and Liu Pei, the book's hero. Liu Pei aims to restore the Han dynasty.
The book, however, starts on a more personal note. Liu Pei becomes friends with two men with whom he forges a pact—namely, that they will always look out for each other. These two men thus forge Pei's main helpers during the course of his attempt to restore the empire. However, the pact proves also to be Pei's downfall, as the killing of one of the men means that he has to take revenge for his death by attacking a potential ally, even though his real enemy is Tsao-Tsao. Indeed, it is Tsao-Tsao who got the potential ally to kill the friend, knowing it would distract Pei.
Roberts discusses the various themes in the book and the way in which Pei represents both ultimate duty and honor but also how that intransigence to such order can lead to one's downfall. The other characters have similar links to larger ideas that are played out in the plot of the book.
September 21, 2021
This is, apparently, the Iliad of Chinese literature. Like the Iliad, is is a series of battles recounted in quick fashion, with an avalanche of names that flash through the pages. It is dizzying and disorienting and, for me, unsatisfying. I stopped after 4 chapters.
Three Kingdoms tells the story of the fateful last reign of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220) when the Chinese empire was divided into three warring kingdoms. Writing some twelve hundred years later, the Ming author Luo Guanzhong drew on histories, dramas, and poems portraying the crisis to fashion a sophisticated, compelling narrative that has become the Chinese national epic. This abridged edition captures the novel's intimate and unsparing view of how power is wielded, how diplomacy is conducted, and how wars are planned and fought. As important for Chinese culture as the Homeric epics have been for the West, this Ming dynasty masterpiece continues to be widely influential in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, and remains a great work of world literature.
Three Kingdoms tells the story of the fateful last reign of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220) when the Chinese empire was divided into three warring kingdoms. Writing some twelve hundred years later, the Ming author Luo Guanzhong drew on histories, dramas, and poems portraying the crisis to fashion a sophisticated, compelling narrative that has become the Chinese national epic. This abridged edition captures the novel's intimate and unsparing view of how power is wielded, how diplomacy is conducted, and how wars are planned and fought. As important for Chinese culture as the Homeric epics have been for the West, this Ming dynasty masterpiece continues to be widely influential in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, and remains a great work of world literature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2008
This is an abridged version and thus has lost a great deal of the back story that explains how the main characters first interacted.
Highly romaticised and mythologised, the characters have become stereotypes of the qualities they supposedly embody. Liu Bei is portrayed as a model of rectitude and virtue while Zhuge Liang becomes almost otherworldy in his genius.
Yet, despite this, glimpses of the real persons behind the sterotypes can be seen. Liu Bei fails to honour a promise to return a strategic province to the Southland kingdom while Zhuge Liang fails to appreciate the shortcomings of his subordinate to whom he entrusts a vital mission.
Semi historical, the novel is engrossing in its depiction of the political twists and turns during the fall of the Han dynasty.
Highly romaticised and mythologised, the characters have become stereotypes of the qualities they supposedly embody. Liu Bei is portrayed as a model of rectitude and virtue while Zhuge Liang becomes almost otherworldy in his genius.
Yet, despite this, glimpses of the real persons behind the sterotypes can be seen. Liu Bei fails to honour a promise to return a strategic province to the Southland kingdom while Zhuge Liang fails to appreciate the shortcomings of his subordinate to whom he entrusts a vital mission.
Semi historical, the novel is engrossing in its depiction of the political twists and turns during the fall of the Han dynasty.
May 17, 2024
This is a did not finish for me. Made it to pg 147.
Maybe it's the abridged edition, but there's just no real plot - which I wouldn't mind if it was established historical fact, but it's not that either, it's a funny kind of halfway house. Lots of quarrels and charging about on horseback and beheadings and changing of who's in charge of what, but very little human interest. I really enjoyed the bit with the daughter who's promised to both a father and his son, and I liked the bit where Xuande meets the mystic, but really I'm kidding myself if I think I'll ever finish this. I'll stick to Dream of the Red Chamber, which is much more my speed!
Maybe it's the abridged edition, but there's just no real plot - which I wouldn't mind if it was established historical fact, but it's not that either, it's a funny kind of halfway house. Lots of quarrels and charging about on horseback and beheadings and changing of who's in charge of what, but very little human interest. I really enjoyed the bit with the daughter who's promised to both a father and his son, and I liked the bit where Xuande meets the mystic, but really I'm kidding myself if I think I'll ever finish this. I'll stick to Dream of the Red Chamber, which is much more my speed!
Read
November 26, 2023I read this for a college class, the kind where you study one text in excruciating detail for the entire semester. Obviously, the unabridged version of this novel is much, much longer. That being said, I’m in the process of writing a final paper, and it is so frustrating that some of the more poignant chapters (especially later in the story) were summed up in a line or two, with some plot points being brushed past entirely. Also, the writing is extremely dense, but I suppose that is also to be expected.
January 2, 2008
This book is considered the Chinese literature equivalent of the Odyssey. Although I was reading the abridged version, I could still barely get through this book. The plot (if there was one) was hard to follow and with over 1,000 characters it was impossible for me to fully understand who was who. I would only recomend to those who have an interest in how different ancient Chinese dynasties came to power.
September 18, 2007
I really loved this epic. I will warn you, though, that this version is abridged. I liked having an abridged copy because I got through it more quickly, but some of the things they cross out will puzzle you. One of the primary villains dies in one of the edits, for example. I'd still recommend this edition, though.
October 17, 2013
Classic. Read this with my boys. Epic scope and complex narrative. Reads much differently than the Illiad or even large-scope novels. Individual characterization is less larger-than-life but the array of characters is mind-boggling.
October 30, 2008
Loyalty, courage, and miracle
Currently reading
April 28, 2009a HUGE book on my favorite period of time in Chinese history. Still currently reading.
April 28, 2017
Excellent novel set in the Han dynasty. full of rich characterizations and colorful settings. A joy to read.
February 2, 2021
It's... A lot. And often hard to get through and keep track of for an ADHD afflicted mind. But this story is fantastic, and it's tragic that it's not as well known and widespread as Greek mythology.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews