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Three Kingdoms #1
Three Kingdoms Part 1
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. This decisive period in Chinese history became a subject of intense and continuing interest to historians, poets, and dramatists. Writing some 1,200 years later, the Ming author Luo Guanzhong drew on this rich literary heritage to fashion a sophisticated, compelling narrative that has become the Chinese national epic. Luo's novel offers a startling and unsparing view of how power is wielded, how diplomacy is conducted, and how wars are planned and fought; it has influenced the ways the Chinese think about power, diplomacy, and war even to this day. 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, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and remains a great work of world literature. The University of California Press is pleased to make the complete and unabridged translation available again.
552 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2004
61 people are currently reading
2,345 people want to read
About the author
Luo Guanzhong
597?books167?followersLuo Ben (c. 1330¨C1400), better known by his style name Luo Guanzhong (ÂÞ¹áÖÐ) (Mandarin pronunciation: [lw? kwant???]), was a Chinese writer who lived during the Yuan Dynasty. He was also known by his pseudonym Huhai Sanren (Chinese: ºþº£É¢ÈË; pinyin: H¨²h¨£i S¨£nr¨¦n; 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
February 18, 2024
Halfway there! I was expecting this to be a much duller novel than it ended up being--it's a legitimately thrilling adventure! Given that this is (I believe) the only unabridged English translation, I was a bit worried it would be overly academic. Thankfully that's not the case. The translation reads beautifully and the endnotes are thorough, informative, and varied. Not only does Roberts add (sometimes much needed) context, he also recalls past scenes from the story when relevant to aid in keeping characters and events straight. The commentary by Mao Zonggang (the original Chinese editor of this edition) is also translated, offering an interesting additional perspective on the story. My only complaint with the work so far is that the notes for both volumes are at the back of Part 2 exclusively, which made reading a bit physically cumbersome. Beyond that, the work is unassailable.
Onward to Part 2!
Onward to Part 2!
November 21, 2019
I grew up on these stories. My grandparents would read an adapted/abridged version to me when I was little. I've always wanted to read the full version, when I finally settled on this translation. I found the translation to be excellent. In my opinion the Brewitt-Taylor translation is harder to read because the transliteration of the names follows an older format that isn't used as much anymore (for example, T'sao-T'sao in BT, Cao-Cao in Moss translation) and the language in BT is a little old-fashioned. Moss's translation can seem a little stiff and literal but having heard parts of it in Chinese, I think that may be a better reflection of the original (it's very matter-of-the-fact).
The book is challenging in more than a few ways. The first is the huge cast of characters, who often have similar names. Despite speaking Mandarin, I found myself losing track of who was who. Sometimes characters appear for a little and disappear never to return, or return a hundred pages later. The second is that the plot can be quite complex, there's a lot of scheming, and trickery. The political situation was really complex, and sometimes I found myself having to re-read an earlier part to fully understand what was going on. The third is that there are certain plot points that seem redundant or repetitive (for example, the number of characters dying because they killed immortal Daoist sages is greater than one).
That being said, I think there's at least two big reasons to read the book. The first is instrumental. Three Kingdoms has basically canonical status in Chinese literature. It's something that shows up in jokes, political thinking, and popular culture. The second is that the plot and characters are just intrinsically interesting and complex.
The story traces the collapse of central authority in a semi-feudal society that eventually becomes a full blown three-way civil war. The Han dynasty is collapsing, and while the powerful statesman claim to support the emperor or restore the state, its fairly obvious that they are starting to build their own states. In other words, it's basically Chinese Game of Thrones. The tensions and complexities of a civil war, with conflicting and overlapping loyalties, are frequently explored. Generals switch sides, often becoming trusted lieutenants of new masters, but everyone also recognizes the nobility of those who refuse to give in to even superior forces (it doesn't stop them from being executed, but there's a clear respect). Family and friends find themselves on the opposite sides of battles. The devious and scheming can get very far, but if they go too far others gang up on them. The attitudes are blood thirsty, frequently entire families are butchered because some minister was caught in an assassination plot (I can't even count how many assassination plots there are by ministers). There's constant betrayal and plotting interspersed with moving acts of loyalty or brotherly bonds, sometimes even between enemies. The main antagonist is Cao-Cao, a scheming manipulative man, who at the same time values talent and treats his subordinates like family. One of the protagonists, Liu Bei is kind hearted and noble (even making tactical blunders because he doesn't want to be seen taking advantage) but once in a while isn't above some trickery. Rulers are constantly ignoring good advice of their ministers, only to regret it later. Rulers execute their ministers for not saying what they want to hear, or because they've been tricked by malicious actors.
The plot is really too complicated and long to summarize here, but what I want to get across is the very layered and complex plot that Three Kingdom has. The novel is mostly descriptions of war, punctuated occasionally by powerful scenes of torn loyalties, and honorable conduct. Very entertaining as a story, and occasionally moving as parable.
The book is challenging in more than a few ways. The first is the huge cast of characters, who often have similar names. Despite speaking Mandarin, I found myself losing track of who was who. Sometimes characters appear for a little and disappear never to return, or return a hundred pages later. The second is that the plot can be quite complex, there's a lot of scheming, and trickery. The political situation was really complex, and sometimes I found myself having to re-read an earlier part to fully understand what was going on. The third is that there are certain plot points that seem redundant or repetitive (for example, the number of characters dying because they killed immortal Daoist sages is greater than one).
That being said, I think there's at least two big reasons to read the book. The first is instrumental. Three Kingdoms has basically canonical status in Chinese literature. It's something that shows up in jokes, political thinking, and popular culture. The second is that the plot and characters are just intrinsically interesting and complex.
The story traces the collapse of central authority in a semi-feudal society that eventually becomes a full blown three-way civil war. The Han dynasty is collapsing, and while the powerful statesman claim to support the emperor or restore the state, its fairly obvious that they are starting to build their own states. In other words, it's basically Chinese Game of Thrones. The tensions and complexities of a civil war, with conflicting and overlapping loyalties, are frequently explored. Generals switch sides, often becoming trusted lieutenants of new masters, but everyone also recognizes the nobility of those who refuse to give in to even superior forces (it doesn't stop them from being executed, but there's a clear respect). Family and friends find themselves on the opposite sides of battles. The devious and scheming can get very far, but if they go too far others gang up on them. The attitudes are blood thirsty, frequently entire families are butchered because some minister was caught in an assassination plot (I can't even count how many assassination plots there are by ministers). There's constant betrayal and plotting interspersed with moving acts of loyalty or brotherly bonds, sometimes even between enemies. The main antagonist is Cao-Cao, a scheming manipulative man, who at the same time values talent and treats his subordinates like family. One of the protagonists, Liu Bei is kind hearted and noble (even making tactical blunders because he doesn't want to be seen taking advantage) but once in a while isn't above some trickery. Rulers are constantly ignoring good advice of their ministers, only to regret it later. Rulers execute their ministers for not saying what they want to hear, or because they've been tricked by malicious actors.
The plot is really too complicated and long to summarize here, but what I want to get across is the very layered and complex plot that Three Kingdom has. The novel is mostly descriptions of war, punctuated occasionally by powerful scenes of torn loyalties, and honorable conduct. Very entertaining as a story, and occasionally moving as parable.
February 7, 2022
Review reserved until completion of Part 2¡
February 12, 2025
Did not expect 14th Century Chinese Literature to make my list this year, and would not have expected to love it so far.
Currently writing Fan Fiction where Sun Ce, Zhao Yun, and Dian Wei become sworn pals.
Currently writing Fan Fiction where Sun Ce, Zhao Yun, and Dian Wei become sworn pals.
December 30, 2022
Disclaimer: Having played Dynasty Warriors 5 as a child, I was familiar with many of the main characters which made it easier to read.
An exceptional book, full of intrigue, moral lessons and interesting characters.
Well worth a read for anyone who is already interested in the Three Kingdoms period, although it may prove a difficult read for a beginner.
Also, Moss Roberts's translation is excellent.
I look forward to the second part of the book.
Cao Xing drew his bow and, sighting true, shot Xiahou Dun in his left eye. Bellowing in pain, Xiahou Dun plucked out the arrow; the eyeball had stuck fast to the point. "The essence of my parents cannot be thrown away," he cried, and swallowed the point. Then he went for Cao Xing and speared him in the face before he could defend himself. Cao Xing fell dead from his horse. The spectacle left both sides aghast. (p. 145)
An exceptional book, full of intrigue, moral lessons and interesting characters.
Well worth a read for anyone who is already interested in the Three Kingdoms period, although it may prove a difficult read for a beginner.
Also, Moss Roberts's translation is excellent.
I look forward to the second part of the book.
Cao Xing drew his bow and, sighting true, shot Xiahou Dun in his left eye. Bellowing in pain, Xiahou Dun plucked out the arrow; the eyeball had stuck fast to the point. "The essence of my parents cannot be thrown away," he cried, and swallowed the point. Then he went for Cao Xing and speared him in the face before he could defend himself. Cao Xing fell dead from his horse. The spectacle left both sides aghast. (p. 145)
March 23, 2021
Finally done with this one! It's true that you need a lot of patience to finish this book; part of it is interesting, part of it is kind of boring and I had trouble keeping up with the many characters. Sometimes I didn't know what was going on. That was frustrating! The thing is, I've only finished half of the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". There's still a second book to read, but I'm exhausted!
December 13, 2021
Onwards to Part Two! Eventually, that is. Later this month, or January, not sure. Much deliberation is required.
July 28, 2023
This was a behemoth of a book to get through (and it¡¯s only volume 1!). I came into reading this with passing knowledge of the overarching plot, so immersing myself in the finer details of the story was a true joy. It¡¯s made all the better by an excellent translation. It captures the grandeur of this epic and breathes life and brings intrigue into each of the many characters that comprise its cast. Very excited for volume 2, though I think I¡¯ll allow myself a bit of a break before I tackle that one.
September 1, 2024
He gozado esta lectura como una enana, con libreta en mano para anotar los cientos de personajes que aparecen y no confundirme tanto. Agradec¨ª much¨ªsimo la estructura de cap¨ªtulos que en mi opini¨®n ayuda a que no se vuelva una lectura tan pesada. Una l¨¢stima que el tomo termine antes de la instauraci¨®n de los Tres Reinos como tal, qued¨¦ con ganas de ver las confrontaciones entre Lu Xuande, Sun Quan y Cao Cao.
May 15, 2023
FINALLY!
Yes, there's some chapter that are a bit long and boring, with a series of names and battles. But I would say most chapters, even the more battle heavy ones, have something special that make them stand out.
I like the traduction and the footnotes, even though there can be a lot of them and it can break the reading flow.
Onward to the second one.
Yes, there's some chapter that are a bit long and boring, with a series of names and battles. But I would say most chapters, even the more battle heavy ones, have something special that make them stand out.
I like the traduction and the footnotes, even though there can be a lot of them and it can break the reading flow.
Onward to the second one.
September 18, 2023
Damn I should¡¯ve gotten the Abridged but still p solid
August 20, 2022
I¡¯ve been aware of the key points and players of the story for a while, due to a youth playing Dynasty Warriors (and Kessen). But I¡¯d always been put off reading the text due to its length; but this year I gave it a go and I¡¯m glad I did.
It¡¯s an epic epic.
There are hundreds of named characters, but the key story in the first volume is the gradual collapse of the empire and the founding of the three Kingdoms, with Liu Bei¡¯s Shu depicted as the hero, Cao Cao¡¯s Wei as being villainous, and Wu under the Sun family switching from being heroic against Wei but Villainous towards Shu.
But it¡¯s the number of asides and one paragraph diversions that make it the novel that it is. Well worth a read.
It¡¯s an epic epic.
There are hundreds of named characters, but the key story in the first volume is the gradual collapse of the empire and the founding of the three Kingdoms, with Liu Bei¡¯s Shu depicted as the hero, Cao Cao¡¯s Wei as being villainous, and Wu under the Sun family switching from being heroic against Wei but Villainous towards Shu.
But it¡¯s the number of asides and one paragraph diversions that make it the novel that it is. Well worth a read.
November 19, 2013
Great historical novel, absolutely dreadful translation. This translator makes the most famed and esteemed Chinese epic read like the Old Testament. X begot Y and Y begot Z and Z was killed by Q, who was also a eunuch. Add to this the fact that I don't speak Mandarin and the names can be fairly tough. You thought the names in Russian literature were hard? hahaha no. Overall this should have been very pleasurable to read and ended up being a complete chore. Avoid this translation if you can.
June 17, 2014
Well, it's just brilliant. Chinese Lord of the Rings with a million names and several deep and enchanting characters. Superbly balanced and plotted - archaic though, superficially repetitive and difficult to follow the variety of similar Chinese names. However the repetition of battles in a war torn kingdom somehow doesn't pall.
August 8, 2024
An?immortal masterpiece of world literature, and a thrilling read, full of memorable stories and characters. The main challenge is that there are hundreds of characters, many of them with very similar names, and it can be hard to remember who so-and-so is or which side he's currently on.
April 6, 2022
The first half of a very long epic that is engaging to the very final pages. 4 stars because I can't yet rate the story as a whole. This review is as incomplete as this story. What more can I say except...
Read on.
Read on.
Want to read
October 17, 2015See the BBC radio show, In Our Time, on this book:
Shelved as 'unfinished'
September 11, 2014I am enjoying this immensely, but taking a break after Red Cliff to catch up on watching the television show.
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