The Four Great Courtesans of Late Ming, Explained in One Sitting

Liu Rushi, born into humble circumstances and married to a talented scholar, was hailed as the foremost of the Eight Beauties of Jinling. Many of her works have been admired by later generations. Chen Yuanyuan, a tragic beauty whose fate altered the course of history, inspired a man to fly into a rage over her. Dong Xiaowan, a poetic soul by the Qinhuai River, lives on in the legends and anecdotes told about her. Li Xiangjun, a peerless beauty famed for her chastity, stained a peach blossom fan with blood.

They possessed talent, beauty, and artistic skill, yet in the end they were left with nothing.

This book tells, in gentle detail, of the love they devoted their lives to pursuing. When these passionate romances plunged into the late Ming dynasty's political turmoil, amid clashing weapons and a setting sun, they took on an even more resolute and heartbreaking cast.