Questions About Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Vol. 1 of 2 (chapter 1-60)

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Answered Questions (2)

Four volumes? All with around 600 pages? I don't understand. I have played the games you see, and they are so expansive with over a thousand characters and many battles and stories. So how are these books so small. I expected books longer that the game of thrones books or something. So my question is, what's in these books? Are there battles? How much time do the books spend on the stories?

Morn These books are small because they are concise in terms of many historical details. The book was written over six centuries ago as a novel for the pub…moreThese books are small because they are concise in terms of many historical details. The book was written over six centuries ago as a novel for the public who may not receive proper education so its language is quite simple in Chinese. In short, it's more about stories than battles, which compose the main storyline between two dynasties. Personally I strongly recommend it for beginners who want to know about ancient Chinese history (and literature). You may also watch the Chinese movie Red Cliff (2009) to have an understanding of the historical background.(less)

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Which English translation is better? The one by Moss Roberts, the one by C.H. Brewitt-Taylor, or the one by Ronald C. Iverson (3 different English versions to choose from)...

David I suggest going to amazon or the publisher's site and read the first few pages. They all have different takes on how to translate, so find the opening…moreI suggest going to amazon or the publisher's site and read the first few pages. They all have different takes on how to translate, so find the opening that grabs you the most. (less)

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Unanswered Questions (1)

Is there an illustrated version of this book? I have this version, and the preponderance of names can be difficult for me to keep track of. I reckon if there were drawings of the characters, or at the very least the chinese characters for the names of various people in the book, that'd be a help. Also, it's a book I'd like to explore with my son, and he's only 8 years old, so drawings would help.

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