Outlaws of the Marsh (The Water Margin)

London: The Folio Society, 2018. First Folio Edition First Printing. Hardcover. New. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. Illustrations from the Rong Yu Tang edition. New and sealed in Folio Society shrink wrap, as received directly from The Folio Society. Two volumes in slipcase. Three-quarter bound in blocked Art Silk with a printed cloth front board. 11'' x 7 ¼''. Set in Dante. 880 pages in total. Illustrated title pages and 141 woodblock illustrations in total. Ribbon markers. Gilded page tops. Printed cloth slipcase. This two-volume edition reproduces the popular 70-chapter version of the text which begins with the release of the demons and culminates with the full assemblage of the 108 heroes at the Liangshan marsh. Frances Wood, former curator of Chinese Collections at the British Museum, introduces the novel with her fascinating historical perspective and academic insights. The 141 illustrations, taken from the Ming dynasty Rong Yu Tang edition - the finest complete set of images anywhere in the world - appear courtesy of the National Library of China, and are printed at exceptional quality. These elaborate black and white illustrations beautifully imagine the scenes, depicting the quests and bloody battles in graphic detail. Ribbon markers, gilt tops and a cloth-bound slipcase make this the definitive edition of a classic text. Shi Nai'an's classic Chinese novel Outlaws of the Marsh (The Water Margin) is beautifully presented in this gorgeous Folio Society edition and illustrated with 141 images that capture the quests and battles. Originally related by oral tradition, 'Outlaws of the Marsh' was first transcribed in the 14th century and is the earliest of the four Great Classics of Chinese Literature. From supernatural feats of endurance to tales of poisoning, witchcraft and cannibalism, the timeless tales of villainy and heroism have engrossed whole generations and still provide inspiration for comic books, films, Peking opera and computer games. Heavy/oversize set of two books. U.K. postage at default charge but overseas buyers will be asked for extra. Enquiries welcome. All orders professionally packed, tracked and/or signed-for, and insured.