The Story of the Western Wing

About this book

Chinas most important love comedy Wang Shifus Xixiangji or The Story of the Western Wing is a rollicking play that chronicles the adventures of the star-crossed lovers Oriole and Student Zhang. Since its appearance in the thirteenth century it has enjoyed unparalleled popularity. The play has given rise to innumerable sequels parodies and rewritings; it has influenced countless later plays short stories and novels and has played a crucial role in the development of drama criticism. This translation of the full and complete text of the earliest extant version is available in paperback for the first time. The editors introduction will inform students of Chinese cultural and literary traditions.