Courtesans and Opium: Romantic Illusions of the Fool of Yangzhou

by Anonymous, Patrick Hanan (Translator)

In his preface, the anonymous author of "Courtesans and Opium" describes his book as an act of penance for thirty years spent patronizing the brothels of Yangzhou. Written in the 1840s, his story is filled with vice and dark consequence, portraying the hazards of the city's seedy underbelly and warning others against the example of the Fool.

Chinese literature's first true "city novel," "Courtesans and Opium" recounts the illustrious career of a debauched soul enveloped by enthralling pursuits and romantic illusions. While socially acceptable marriages were arranged and often loveless, brothels offered men accomplished courtesans who served as both enchanting companions and sensual lovers. These professional sirens dressed in the latest styles and dripped with gold, silver, and jewels. From an early age, they were taught to excel at various arts and graces, which transformed the brothel into a kind of club for men to meet, exchange gossip, and smoke opium at their leisure.

The Fool's fable follows five sworn brothers and their respective relationships with Yangzhou courtesans, revealing in acute detail the lurid materialism of this dangerous world-its violence and corruption as well as its seductive but illusory promise. Never before translated into English, "Courtesans and Opium" offers a brilliant window into the decadence of nineteenth-century China.

Genres: Historical

344 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a lot of loose ends in the book I wished to have some sort of conclusion to, but overall the story was enjoyable, if a bit melancholy towards the end. A twist on traditional scholar/courtesan Chinese tales that feels more grounded in reality and displays a darker side to the pleasure quarters.