The eighteen stories collected in this volume showcase the simple eloquence of a spectacular literary talent. Lu Hsun practically invented modern Chinese literature when he exploded on the literary scene in 1918 with the now famous short story "A Madman's Diary" which he wrote in the vernacular-an astonishingly bold choice at the time. Originally intent on studying medicine, he turned to literature as a way of healing what he perceived as China's spiritual ills. While his stories are concerned with social and political matters of his day, his insights into human nature and society are timeless, as is the charismatic appeal of his direct, clear writing style, wry humor, and courage. "The True Story of Ah Q," the longest tale in this collection, is considered a masterpiece of Chinese literature and a towering feat of sardonic wit and biting parody.

This Warbler Classics edition relies upon the faithful English translation by Yang Hsien-yi and Gladys Yang and includes a richly researched biographical essay on the life and work of Lu Hsun.