A Chinese Wonder Book - Softcover

Pitman, Mr Norman Hinsdale

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1533226288 ISBN 13: 9781533226280

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 1919

Synopsis

What we shall eat to-morrow, I haven't the slightest idea!" said Widow Wang to her eldest son, as he started out one morning in search of work. "Oh, the gods will provide. I'll find a few coppers somewhere," replied the boy, trying to speak cheerfully, although in his heart he also had not the slightest idea in which direction to turn. The winter had been a hard one: extreme cold, deep snow, and violent winds. The Wang house had suffered greatly. The roof had fallen in, weighed down by heavy snow. Then a hurricane had blown a wall over, and Ming-li, the son, up all night and exposed to a bitter cold wind, had caught pneumonia. Long days of illness followed, with the spending of extra money for medicine. All their scant savings had soon melted away, and at the shop where Ming-li had been employed his place was filled by another. When at last he arose from his sick-bed he was too weak for hard labour and there seemed to be no work in the neighbouring villages for him to do. Night after night he came home, trying not to be discouraged, but in his heart feeling the deep pangs of sorrow that come to the good son who sees his mother suffering for want of food and clothing. "Bless his good heart!" said the poor widow after he had gone. "No mother ever had a better boy. I hope he is right in saying the gods will provide. It has been getting so much worse these past few weeks that it seems now as if my stomach were as empty as a rich man's brain. Why, even the rats have deserted our cottage, and there's nothing left for poor Tabby, while old Blackfoot is nearly dead from starvation."

About this title

Book Description:

The Chinese Wonder book contains some of the most beloved Chinese folktales, including "The Golden beetle or Why the Dog Hates the Cat," "The Great bell," "The Strange Tale of Doctor Dog" and "The Talking Fish." Originally published in 1919, this book has thrilled and amused children and adults for generations, and served as an accessible introduction to Chinese folklore for countless readers.

included with these fifteen magical Chinese fairy tales are li Chu Tang's glorious, full-color illustrations original to the book's first edition, making this book a historical treasure. A new foreword by Sylvia lin pays homage to the magic of Chinese folktales and adds its own enchantment to this classic children's book. This endearing collection of Chinese fables is sure to bring as much joy to today's children as it did to their grandparents.

About the Author:

Norman Hinsdale Pitman (1876-1925) taught at Chihli Province College in China from 1909-1912 before becoming a professor of English at Peking Teachers College. He was the author of several novels and short story collections, including The Lady Elect, A Chinese Christmas Tree, Chinese Playmates, and Chinese Fairy Tales.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 1919
• ISBN 10: 1533226288
• ISBN 13: 9781533226280
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 94