Compiled during the Song dynasty (960-1279) at the behest of
Emperor Taizong, the Taiping Guangji anthologized thousands of
pages of unofficial histories, accounts, and minor stories from the
Tang dynasty (618-907). The twenty-two tales translated in this
volume, many appearing for the first time in English, reveal the
dynamism and diversity of society in Tang China. A lengthy
Introduction as well as introductions to each selection further
illuminate the social and historical contexts within which these
narratives unfold. This collection offers a wealth of information
for anyone interested in medieval Chinese history, religion, or
everyday life.
