Outlaws of the Marsh, Vol. 2 of 4

by Shi Nai'an, Luo Guanzhong, Sidney Shapiro (Translator)

The final 50 chapters of this epic, with the heroes entering the emperor's service, and facing betrayal at court.

Genres: China, Fiction

418 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1988

About the author

Shi Nai'an (Chinese: 施耐庵; pinyin: Shī Nài'ān, ca. 1296–1372), was a Chinese writer from Suzhou. He was attributed as the first compiler of the Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.
Library of Congress Authorities: Shi, Nai’an, approximately 1290-approximately 1365

Not much biographical information is known about him. Traditionally it was believed that he was a teacher of Luo Guanzhong, who was attributed as a main compiler of Romance of Three Kingdoms, another of the Four Great Classical Novels. Some modern scholars doubt that Shi actually existed, but was merely a pseudonym for Luo himself.

Reviews

[Eric Dovigi]

Part two of the second of the Four Classic Novels of China. I'm making my way through all four. Romance of the Three Kingdoms was one of the great achievements of humanity. Its historic sweep, comprehensiveness, and coherence astonish. Outlaws of the Marsh, in contrast, is pure fun. Its title tells you basically what is appealing about it. I don't want to say more because it is not a book that submits itself to criticism, it is a book that submits itself to be read.

[Pip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am thrilled to say that I finally finished this saga. It would have been an enjoyable read in the Shapiro edition if it had not been so repetitive. I am sure that it would appeal to the person who plays with tin soldiers, but the endless discussions of who lined up where wearing what was tiresome fo this reader.