Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Complete Plain-Language Edition

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is the first full-length historical novel in chapter-and-episode format in ancient China, and is regarded as one of the Four Great Classical Novels. Written by the late Yuan and early Ming novelist Luo Guanzhong, it draws on historical events and folk tales from the Three Kingdoms period. Set against the history from the end of the Eastern Han dynasty to the beginning of the Western Jin, the book vividly depicts the tangled political, military, and diplomatic struggles among Wei, Shu, and Wu, and brings to life a host of unforgettable heroes. This vernacular edition preserves the original’s main storyline and spirit while retelling it in accessible, fluent modern Chinese, making the classic more suited to the reading habits of today’s audience. The story opens with the Oath of the Peach Garden and encompasses major events such as the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Dong Zhuo’s seizure of power, the Battle of Guandu, and the Battle of Red Cliffs, before ending with the unification of the Three Kingdoms under Jin. Its plot is full of twists and turns, and its characters are vividly drawn. Through the brotherly bond between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei; Zhuge Liang’s extraordinary foresight; Cao Cao’s brilliant leadership; and Zhou Yu’s youthful prowess, the book not only recreates an age teeming with heroes, but also conveys traditional Chinese values and cultural spirit. Combining literary merit with readability, this vernacular edition of Romance of the Three Kingdoms is an ideal introduction for young people and general readers seeking to explore Chinese classical literature and the history of the Three Kingdoms. It is also an important vehicle for passing on China’s outstanding traditional culture.