The Ch'i-Lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories

Fang, a professional storyteller, makes her publishing debut with nine nimbly told tales. Classic Chinese operas and novels are Fang's principal sources; reportedly, these stories appear here in English for the first time. The plots tend to be more elaborate than those in similar collections, often involving not one but several twists of fate or reversals of fortune. A pronunciation guide and glossary at the end of the volume will help readers cope with the sprinkling of Chinese names and terms. Although the meanings of these words are not always clear from the context (``Mr. Yeh... picked up the ch'ien holder from the altar, drew out two ch'ien, and threw them on the ground''), their use fortifies the already strong ambiance. Adult devotees of Chinese culture and international folklore should check out Fang's unusually informative source notes. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-up. (Jan.)