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In this Ming-era novel, historical narrative, raucous humor, and the supernatural are interwoven to tell the tale of an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Song dynasty. Though Quelling the Demons' Revolt centers on the events of the rebellion led by Wang Ze in 1047–48, facts are distorted and intermingled with slapstick humor and wild fictions. The author points to human vanities and fixations as well as social injustice, warning of the vulnerability of any pursuit of order in a world plagued by demonic forces as well as mundane corruption. This translation offers English-speaking readers a spirited example of social critique and caustic humor.
In this Ming-era novel, historical narrative, raucous humor, and the supernatural are interwoven to tell the tale of an attempt to overthrow the Song dynasty. Quelling the Demons’ Revolt is centered on the rebellion led by Wang Ze in 1047–48, warning of the vulnerability of a world plagued by demonic forces as well as mundane corruption.
Anne McLaren, University of Melbourne:Quelling the Demons' Revolt is a spirited translation by Patrick Hanan. Beginning with a revolt led by a messianic Buddhist movement, the novel moves from historical events of the eleventh century to stories of folly and venality that resonate with audiences of any era. This comic novel is a cornucopia of tales about trickery, seduction, demonology, and the supernatural, played out by pawnbrokers, seducers, rebels, dim-witted magistrates, and strong-minded women. Hanan’s translation deftly captures the wit and vitality of the original work.
Ann Waltner, University of Minnesota:Quelling the Demons' Revolt is a marvelous late Ming novel, here beautifully translated by Patrick Hanan. It features a strong heroine (or is she a villain?), Eterna Hu. The demonic exists just under the surface of everyday life, and when it erupts into full revolt, supernatural powers are called upon to restore order. Martial ardor, political authority, and magic propel the plot of the novel. Although I do not want to diminish the ways it would be useful in classrooms in a variety of disciplines (literature, religion, gender studies), its utility should not obscure the fact that it is a rollicking good read.
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