The Peony Pavilion

This complete translation of one of Chinese literature’s classic love stories, in a paperback edition, is perfect for literature lovers and for course adoption. A classic drama from the late Ming period (16th century), the play recounts the story of Bridal Dy who dreams of an idealized lover; but, without hope of ever meeting him, she perishes from unrequited passion. She seems doomed to wander as a ghost, forever seeking her dream-lover, until he at last discovers her self-portrait--he has also dreamed of her, and now his love for her miraculously restores her to life. Besides these memorable lovers, the playwright also populates his drama with hilarious caricatures of military people, illiterate but worldly servants, "barbarians," Confucian scholars, and examination candidates.