Tales of the Teahouse Retold: Investiture of the Gods - Softcover

Chew, Katherine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0595254195 ISBN 13: 9780595254194

Publisher: iUniverse, 2002

Synopsis

Tales of the Teahouse Retold is based on the author's original translation of Feng Shen Yan Yi, an important volume of Chinese mythology first published during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is the story of the overthrow the Shang Dynasty (circa 1766-1122 BC) and the founding of the Chou Dynasty (1122-249 BC).Combining historical facts, folklore, mythology, and legends, these tales describe a time when gods and men, beasts and monsters, and spirits and specters mingled with each other in peace and war.The saga begins when King Zhou of Shang offends the Snail Goddess, who sends three specters to bewitch the king in retribution. The kingdom falls into chaos and civil war ensues, with gods and other supernatural beings taking sides. In the end, many of the slain heroes are invested as gods.For centuries, the tale was told in successive story-telling sessions as teahouse entertainment. The author has faithfully kept to the original style and ambience in retelling these tales.Tales of the Teahouse Retold will be of interest to fans of oriental mythology, philosophy, and literature. It is suitable for recreational reading as well as supplemental reading for students of Chinese history and culture.

About this title

About the Author:

Katherine Liang Chew was born in China but immigrated to the United States at a young age. Trained as a professional reference librarian, she has worked as a translator and taught Chinese civilization and culture at the junior college level. Now retired, she writes in Irvine, California.

About this edition

• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0595254195
• ISBN 13: 9780595254194
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 476