The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox

Reading Hughart's endearing historical fantasy trilogy, first published almost 20 years ago, is much like “wandering blindfolded through a myth devised by a maniac,” in the words of Master Li, the greatest and most frequently intoxicated wise man in a colorful seventh century “China that never was.” Slow, strong and good-hearted peasant Number Ten Ox initially seeks Master Li's help to cure a bizarre plague and soon becomes his sidekick. Their rollicking adventures pit them against everyone from murderers and thieves to emperors and gods. Numerous Chinese legends, filtered through Ox's simple perspective, blend seamlessly into tales both lighthearted and heartrending. Hughart's many fans will welcome this modest alternative to the 1998 omnibus published by The Stars Our Destination bookstore, which commands high prices when it can be found at all. (Oct.)