Records of Tales Heard

The Hidden Gem of Chinese Supernatural Fiction — Available in English

For the first time, immerse yourself in the haunting and ethereal world of Ershi Lu (耳食錄), a masterpiece of the "Zhigai" genre that has captivated Chinese readers for over two centuries.

While Liaozhai is known to many, Yue Jun’s Ershi Lu offers a distinct, poetic, and often heartbreaking look at the intersection of the human and spirit realms. The title, meaning "Records of What Was Fed to the Ears," signifies a collection of strange rumors, oral histories, and folk legends gathered from the alleys and tea houses of 18th-century China, all meticulously woven into literary gold.

What Awaits You Inside:

• Otherworldly Romances: Tales of star-crossed lovers where the boundaries between life and death are blurred by devotion.
• Eerie Legends: Encounters with fox spirits, mountain deities, and the restless ghosts of the Qing Dynasty.
• Satire and Wit: Sharp, humorous stories that poke fun at human vanity and the eccentricities of society.
• Historical Prefaces: Includes translated historical introductions from the original 18th and 19th-century editions, providing a deep dive into the book's cultural impact.

A Must-Read for Fans of Historical Fiction and Folklore

Whether you are a scholar of Asian literature or a fan of classic gothic horror like Edgar Allan Poe or Washington Irving, this English edition brings Yue Jun's "flower-like brush" to life. It is an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in the ancient mysteries and historical folklore of China.

About the Author

Yue Jun (1766–1816) was a brilliant but impoverished scholar from Linchuan. Despite his struggles with the imperial examinations, his literary genius was undeniable. He spent his life capturing the "unseen world" through his writing, leaving behind Ershi Lu as a testament to the vivid imagination and spiritual curiosity of his era.

Rediscover the great epics, mysteries and chronicles of dynastic China: gods and generals, swindlers and scholars, courtesans, ghosts and emperors, in complete English translations.