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Superlative Horse
The story of Han Kan, a young boy of no breeding or education, who earns the position and honor of selecting horses for the finest stable in all China.
Library Binding
First published January 1, 1961
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 20, 2007
This was one of my very favourite books as a kid, I dug around on the internet and found it so that I could read it to my kids.
February 7, 2020
The basic premise of this story was a tale in the “Book of Lieh Tzu,” which was published in China around 350 B. C. While it is an old tale, it is also timeless. For it deals with the selection of the highest quality horses and how people under the ruler can be disingenuous in pursuit of their aims.
Duke Mu is the most powerful ruler in the Five Provinces and the horses in his stables were known as the best in the land. His Chief Groom is Po Lo and he is the person responsible for the greatness. Po Lo has been the one to go out into the land in search of the best horses, but he is getting old, so a replacement is being sought.
Quite logically, Duke Mu consults Po Lo regarding his replacement and is astonished when he is told that the best person for the role is Han Kan, the son of a fuel hawker. Not quite convinced, Duke Mu sends Han Kan and his Chief Minister Wang Ho out into the land in a search for the best of all horses. This story describes their journey and Wang Ho’s efforts to discredit Han Kan. It is a fairly standard tale of the efforts of an unheralded and unlikely person to rise to a position of fame and fortune.
The story is interesting, as are all ancient tales from other lands. In many ways it demonstrates a commonality among ancient cultures where the horse was the prime means of transportation and powerful labor. The common theme of competition between employees is also a human universal.
Duke Mu is the most powerful ruler in the Five Provinces and the horses in his stables were known as the best in the land. His Chief Groom is Po Lo and he is the person responsible for the greatness. Po Lo has been the one to go out into the land in search of the best horses, but he is getting old, so a replacement is being sought.
Quite logically, Duke Mu consults Po Lo regarding his replacement and is astonished when he is told that the best person for the role is Han Kan, the son of a fuel hawker. Not quite convinced, Duke Mu sends Han Kan and his Chief Minister Wang Ho out into the land in a search for the best of all horses. This story describes their journey and Wang Ho’s efforts to discredit Han Kan. It is a fairly standard tale of the efforts of an unheralded and unlikely person to rise to a position of fame and fortune.
The story is interesting, as are all ancient tales from other lands. In many ways it demonstrates a commonality among ancient cultures where the horse was the prime means of transportation and powerful labor. The common theme of competition between employees is also a human universal.
September 22, 2025
Beautifully written and illustrated story suggested by a Taoist tale in “The Book of Lieh Tzu” c. 350 BCE. Any man can choose a good horse, but it takes a special eye to spot a superlative horse. The aging groom to Duke Mu suggests a humble fuel seller’s son as his successor. Is the boy the right choice? The Duke’s Chief Minister thinks not. It’s a lovely tale full of nuance and thoughtfulness. Well worth the once through.
December 31, 2015
I loved this story the first time I read it as a child and again as an adult. It's a classic folktale with a sort of boy Cinderella theme. It's out of print now but it's one I would recommend to anyone.
August 15, 2012
Beautifully illustrated folk tale from China. I liked its way of showing the importance of integrity.
October 18, 2016
I loved this story so much I based a puppet play on it that my scouts presented at the library and nursing home (for free)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews