Chinese Fairy Tales E-Book

Herbert Allen Giles

• Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

In "Chinese Fairy Tales," Herbert Allen Giles presents a fascinating collection of traditional Chinese folklore, ingeniously weaving narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and mythology. Giles adopts a stylistic approach that combines vivid storytelling with lyrical prose, inviting readers into a world where the supernatural intertwines with everyday life. The tales, collected and translated with an earnest dedication to their authentic essence, serve as delightful windows into the ancient wisdom and moral lessons ingrained in Chinese society. These stories are further enhanced by colorful illustrations, emphasizing the visual aspects of their cultural significance. Herbert Allen Giles, a prominent sinologist and translator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was deeply immersed in Chinese culture, language, and philosophy. His extensive scholarship and personal experiences in China informed his translations, providing contemporary audiences with accessible means to appreciate the depth and richness of Chinese narrative traditions. Giles sought to bridge Eastern and Western literary worlds, believing in the power of tales to transcend cultural boundaries and foster mutual understanding. This anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of folklore and cultural heritage. Both scholars and casual readers alike will find wisdom and entertainment in Giles's meticulous translations, making "Chinese Fairy Tales" an essential addition to the library of anyone wishing to explore the enchanting world of Chinese storytelling. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Leseprobe

Herbert Allen Giles

Chinese Fairy Tales

Published by Good Press, 2022

[email protected]

EAN 4064066462420

Table of Contents

Chinese Fairy Tales — Title and ToC

Preface

The Magic Pillow

The Stone Monkey

Stealing Peaches

The Painted Skin

The Wonderful Pear-Tree

The Country of Gentlemen

Learning Magic

The Theft of a Duck

Living for Ever

Football on a Lake

The Flower Fairies

The Talking Bird

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Chinese Fairy Tales — Title and ToC

Table of Contents

First Edition, January, 1911. Reprinted, September, 1920(completing 10,000).

CHINESEFAIRY TALES

Table of Contents

TOLD IN ENGLISH BYProf. HERBERT A. GILES, CAMBRIDGE

GOWANS & GRAY, Ltd., London & GlasgowLEROY PHILLIPS, Boston, U.S.A.

1920

Chapters(not individually listed)

Preface

The Magic PillowThe Stone MonkeyStealing PeachesThe Painted SkinThe Wonderful Pear-TreeThe Country of GentlemenLearning MagicThe Theft of a DuckLiving for EverFootball on a LakeThe Flower FairiesThe Talking Bird

Preface

Table of Contents

​This little volume of Chinese fairy tales has been written by Dr. Herbert A. Giles, Professor of Chinese in the University of Cambridge, formerly British Consul at Ningpo, China, and for twenty-six years resident in that country. It is intended as a companion to the Japanese fairy tales published in the same series.

It is very interesting to compare the tales in the two volumes. They are equally quaint and delightful, but the national spirit of the Chinese is very different from that of the Japanese, both being reflected in the stories in a thoroughly characteristic manner.

A. L. G.

The Magic Pillow

Table of Contents

THE MAGIC PILLOW

One day, an old priest stopped at a wayside inn to rest, spread out his mat, and sat down with his bag. Soon afterwards, a young fellow of the neighbourhood also arrived at the inn; he was a farm-labourer and wore short clothes, not a long robe like the priest and men who read books. He took a seat near to the priest and the two were soon laughing and talking together. By and by, the young man cast a glance at his own rough dress and said with a sigh, "See, what a miserable wretch I am." "You seem to me well fed and healthy enough," replied the priest; "why in the middle of our pleasant chat do you suddenly complain of being a miserable wretch?" "What pleasure can I find," retorted the young man, "in this life of mine, working every day as I do from early morn to late at night? I should like to be a great general and win battles, or to be a rich man and have fine food and wine, and listen to good music, or to be a great man at court and help our Emperor and bring prosperity to my family;—that is what I call pleasure. I want to rise in the world, but here I am a poor farm-labourer; if you don't call that miserable wretchedness, what is it?" He then began to get sleepy, and while the landlord was cooking a dish of millet-porridge, the priest took a pillow out of his bag and said to the young man, ​"Lay your head on this and all your wishes will be granted." The pillow was made of porcelain; it was round like a tube, and open at each end. When the young man put his head down towards the pillow, one of the openings seemed so large and bright inside that he got in, and soon found himself at his own home. Shortly afterwards he married a beautiful girl, and began to make money. He now wore fine clothes and spent his time in study. In the following year he passed his examination and was made a magistrate; and in two or three years he had risen to be Prime Minister. For a long time the Emperor trusted him in everything, but the day came when he got into trouble; he was accused of treason and sentenced to death. He was taken with several other criminals to the place of execution; he was made to kneel on both knees, and the executioner approached with his sword. Too terrified to feel the blow, he opened his eyes, to find himself in the inn. There was the priest with his head on his bag; and there was the landlord still stirring the porridge, which was not quite ready. After eating his meal in silence, he got up and bowing to the priest, said, "I thank you, sir, for the lesson you have taught me; I know now what it means to be a great man!" With that, he took his leave and went back to his work.