Investiture of the Gods: A Burned-Out Office Worker Reads the Original

Is the original Investiture of the Gods obscure and tedious? In this book, a modern-day wage slave (the author) offers a contemporary take on the original and retells this classic! The original plot remains intact, but its characters are brought vividly to life. After reading this book, you may not need to tackle the original yourself.

A foundational work in Chinese mythology, Investiture of the Gods creates a vast world of immortals and mortals. But its stereotypical characters, stiff plot, and outdated values can put off modern readers. This book preserves the original's full structure of one hundred chapters while reimagining the classic from a fresh perspective: blending ancient mythology with modern understanding, and bringing the history of the Shang and Zhou dynasties into conversation with contemporary values. Through lively, modern storytelling, it breaks free of the original's one-dimensional portrayals. While preserving the essence of the tale, it breathes new life into traditional culture. Here, the rise and fall of ancient dynasties and battles between immortals are more than fantastical legends: they also reflect the nature of humanity.

This is an attempt to make an obscure classic truly come alive, allowing you to enjoy the complete original plot while uncovering the historical wisdom and cultural roots behind the mythology.