Reddit Reddit reviews Three Kingdoms (Chinese Classics, 4 Volumes)

We found 28 Reddit comments about Three Kingdoms (Chinese Classics, 4 Volumes). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

Literature & Fiction
Books
Genre Literature & Fiction
Historical Fiction
Three Kingdoms (Chinese Classics, 4 Volumes)
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28 Reddit comments about Three Kingdoms (Chinese Classics, 4 Volumes):

u/Sotwob · 90 pointsr/pics

Dynasty Warriors is based on Three Kingdoms, a romanticized historical fiction from the 1300's that's based on the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, ~1100 years earlier. It's also an interesting read.

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any characters in the game that didn't at least come from the novel. Most were indeed real people.

u/TheWizardsVengeance · 28 pointsr/AskHistorians

First off, you must understand the game is based on the novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" by Luo Guanzhong which is about 70% fact and 30% fiction. You can purchase the book here. I highly recommend reading this version do to Moss Roberts excellent translation. Though keep in mind many of the extraordinary feats of people such as Lu Bu, Zhuge Liang and others have been exaggerated both in the novel and the game.

For actual historical biographies, you will want to read the Sanguo Zhi (SGZ) which was written by Chen Shou a late Shu/Jin officer. The SGZ is a compilation of biographies of the various generals and politicians of the era, they read very bland but straightforward. No author has translated these biographies and compiled them. However, you can find reliable fan translations here.

u/Sarstan · 10 pointsr/ffxiv

How about some Romance of the Ivalice/Hydaelyn/Vana'diel/etc Kingdoms?

I'm actually bothered by how many people don't know that Dynasty Warriors is based off Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong and has led countless video game and media. Romance of Three Kingdoms Series, Dynasty Warriors, Destiny of an Emperor, and way more than I can even list. There's even a TV series that is just phenomenal! The first fight between the three brothers and Lu Bu is typical Chinese fighting fare, but is a REALLY long fight. And all the intrigue is there.

Sorry, I absolutely love everything to do with the Three Kingdoms era, so I love to introduce the uninitiated to how deep and rich it is.

u/NorthAtlanticCatOrg · 10 pointsr/SubredditDrama

No, it is just long. A little over 2000 pages. The text is pretty straightforward and all third person. The link below is for the set I have. The translation is solid but the only issue is the spoilers at the start of every chapter.




I honestly wouldn't bother with it unless you are into Chinese history and culture or liked the games though.

Three Kingdoms (Chinese Classics, 4 Volumes) https://amazon.com/dp/7119005901/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sId4Cb73PP05H

u/Dodgimusprime · 8 pointsr/dynastywarriors

I've read it 4 times. This is the one I have. I love it. As stated in here, first chapter is slow and boring but is moreso a history lesson. Afterwards it picks up and then becomes an easy read for those of us who know the characters from playing the games.

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Kingdoms-Chinese-Classics-Volumes/dp/7119005901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367549860&sr=8-1&keywords=three+kingdoms

EDIT: I see this one was linked already.

u/blackstar9000 · 8 pointsr/books

If you're asking about a single-volume compilation of all four, I doubt there are any -- at least, none that aren't also major abridgments. A boxed set is possible, but when I went looking for editions, the one that ended up looking best to me was actually a group of sets issued by a single publisher -- 16 volumes divided between 4 boxes. Here they are:

u/whiteskwirl2 · 8 pointsr/books

The best one is the Moss Roberts translation: http://www.amazon.com/Three-Kingdoms-Chinese-Classics-4-Volumes/dp/7119005901

Also, it has a lot of endnotes.

u/blood_garbage · 8 pointsr/Games

This abridged version was recommended to me by the Total War subreddit.

u/marinafanatic · 6 pointsr/dynastywarriors

This translation seems to be a bit awkward personally. Although this is good if you just want to get the basics of the story, if you want to own and truly enjoy the book I strongly recommend buying a Moss Roberts unabridged translation. Absolutely stellar, flows and reads as if it was in English originally. My version also came with citations and a large section of notes at the back of each book that has a lot of helpful information to understanding the many obscure references the character's make, among other helpful information. It also includes maps and other illustrations throughout the book which makes it a lot more easy to understand and just enjoy.

u/silvvy · 6 pointsr/dynastywarriors

After years of playing DW games, I finally did, and really enjoyed it. I read this abridged version (~$30) initially, and it was alright. Some pretty big pieces are cut out, although it does make for a considerably shorter read. However, if you really want the full experience, I'd recommend this 4-book set (~$25) that I picked up later. I can't really say if it's better or worse than others, as it's the only full copy I've read, but it seemed good to me, and I've seen it recommended by other people as well. You could also check out this website, which has the whole thing available to be read. I don't think I could manage that much reading online, though.

If you do start reading, good luck. It can be quite a daunting task, as the scope and style of it can be off-putting. It took me a couple years of off-and-on reading to get through it, and I'm someone who enjoys reading (although I was younger at the time). Have fun with it though, it's a great read, and you'll likely have an easier time than most, as you're already familiar with many of the names.

Hope that helps!

u/ChexWarrior · 6 pointsr/AskHistorians

I would suggest you read (assuming your an English speaker) the book itself! There are many translations available, the one I read was the translation by Robert Moss. Also there is the actual historical text that the novel was based on, Records of the Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou, for that I would recommend checking out any university libraries in your area.


And also I'll ping /u/cthulhushrugged for a better answer.

u/flyingdragon8 · 4 pointsr/AskHistorians

I read this one all the way through once and I found it pretty decent. The prose gets extremely cumbersome at times but translating Chinese prose to English prose is absurdly difficult so you take what you can get.

u/mkdz · 3 pointsr/China

Try this.

j/k, it's not really history, but still very interesting

u/Tristanexmachina · 3 pointsr/DnD

This is probably a bit outside what you intended but the Chinese classics Outlaws of the Marsh and Three Kingdoms have many really good political intrigue plot lines to steal from as well as hundreds of npc archetypes. And they are both fun to read as well.

u/limitz · 2 pointsr/freefolk

The unabridged Moss Roberts translation. The abridged version is good, but its lacking in much of the detail that makes the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" awesome. It's an easier read, but come on, we're ASOIAF fans, we don't shy away from thick tomes.

This is a dense epic on the line of ASOIAF, it is well over 3000 pages (by word count it may be even longer than ASOIAF, the font is tiny), and tells the story of thousands of characters, their families, retainers, eunuchs, and plots. The political intrigue and plotting are thick as dozens of factions contend with, ally together, and betray each other. In terms of action, there is no shortage of epic battles, duels, and military strategems. The start is a little bit slow, but quickly picks up as the late-Han dynasty descends into chaos and disarray.

The prose flows very well, and the songs/poems are translated beautifully. The first line still gives me chills thinking about, it and sums up the Chinese view of history - cyclical:

>The empire, long divided, must unite. The empire, long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been...

If I'm allowed one more small spoiler, one of my favorite warriors is Xiahou Dun - a general in Cao Cao's camp. In one battle, he takes an arrow through his helm and into his eye; without hesistation, and in the midst of battle, he rips out the arrow with his eyeball still skewered, and devours it. To rally his troops who thought their general had died, he screams out:

>Essence of my father, blood of my mother, I cannot throw this away!

Such a fucking hardcore warrior. Made more epic since the Romance of the Three Kingdoms is part fiction, but part history. Xiahou Dun actually did this in real life.

u/RhinoWithaGun · 2 pointsr/aznidentity

Outlaws of the Marsh (This was a very fun read back when I was in highschool, there's a bit of dark humor too. Of the books listed here Outlaws of the Marsh is the funniest and very epic)

https://www.amazon.com/Outlaws-Chinese-Classics-Classic-Volumes/dp/7119016628/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=outlaws+of+the+marsh&qid=1558135198&s=gateway&sr=8-1

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Romance of the Three Kingdoms (The novel is intriguing and epic but might get too confusing depending on the age and person reading it- lots of characters and politics both personal and national)

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Kingdoms-Chinese-Classics-Volumes/dp/7119005901/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3Q6KP7GL4E200&keywords=romance+of+the+three+kingdoms&qid=1558135222&s=gateway&sprefix=Romance+of+the+three%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-3

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Journey to the West (The Monkey King. I admit I personally don't like the Monk & Su Wu Kong chapters and mostly enjoyed the Su Wukong's creation, desk job in heaven chapters and his rebellion. My man Su Wukong should've rebelled again, screw working for a living in heaven and their stupid workplace bureaucracy)

https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Chinese-Classics-Classic-Volumes/dp/7119016636/ref=sr_1_4?crid=C0DF58D83YS3&keywords=journey+to+the+west&qid=1558135303&s=gateway&sprefix=Journey+to+the+west%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-4

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There's also Dreams of the Red Mansion but I never finished it so can't really recommend it.

u/st3v3n · 2 pointsr/AndroidGaming

Well, fair warning I did read them 12-13 years ago when I was 14-15, so I've forgotten quite a bit, not to mention a lot went over my head at that age.

I loved them. They were truely an epic, and the ebb and flow of the kingdom over the years was great to follow. Also, seeing where a lot of the stages and characters from DW "started" was fantastic.

This is the one I bought, if you are interested.

u/aahe42 · 2 pointsr/totalwar

For more about the time period read the book romance of the three kingdom https://www.amazon.com/Three-Kingdoms-Chinese-Classics-Volumes/dp/7119005901/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 or try watching the 2010 tv show Romance of the three kingdoms its really good if you can deal with subtitles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcZ2zq82ebA&list=PLQgby8Rb0ImEP4108x04Feg2dBvuDADJG, there is also some youtube videos from kings and generals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOGkH_8K_xg, Three kingdoms oversimplified by Oversimplified https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=26EivpCPHnQ. Cody Bonds channel has overview of all the starting characters in the game with some historical context heres one of them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZOfQAAnSKU I'm sure there is a lot more other could suggest.

u/KyrosSeneshal · 1 pointr/dynastywarriors

This is the version I purchased.

u/BrokenClockwerk · 1 pointr/todayilearned

It's hard. I would probably compare it to the Iliad and the Odyssey, but those books together cover about 20 years with a few hundred characters. Three Kingdoms spans about 110 years and has a few thousand characters. There are parts where the writing is dry, the ridiculous attention to detail means that every significant event from history (as well as folk stories that didn't actually happen) is described and contextualized in great detail, and it totally loses steam at the end when the most interesting people are basically all dead.

That said, I'm clearly a huge fan and would recommend it to anyone who has the patience to get through it and an interest in the subject matter. Although there is a more recent translation by a different translator, to my knowledge, this is still the gold standard for the English translation, and it's not super expensive. You could probably also find a copy at your library, although you might have to settle for an abridged version.

u/JAM1NATOR · 1 pointr/dynastywarriors

I bought this version (Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/7119005901/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xETQAb2AXR0MB ) of the book about 6 months ago. I got near the end of the first novel and then stopped reading it. Been meaning to get back and read it but been so busy with school work I haven't had time. Brilliant book though. If there was an audio book I would definitely give it a go, but the paper back book is nice to have.

u/ecto_kooler · 1 pointr/todayilearned

Suggest two nerdy things if you find this story interesting:

One of the four "Chinese Classics", Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
http://www.amazon.com/Three-Kingdoms-Chinese-Classics-Volumes/dp/7119005901/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414983566&sr=1-1&keywords=romance+of+the+three+kingdoms


Dynasty Warriors 7 takes that source material and takes it over the top. Many are split on the gameplay, but DW7 focused on the source material more than any title before it.
http://www.amazon.com/Dynasty-Warriors-7-Playstation-3/dp/B004HVKA9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414983609&sr=8-1&keywords=dynasty+warriors+7

u/PatrickLineb · 1 pointr/threekingdoms

Is the Moss Roberts translation supposed to be rare? I got mine from Amazon : By Moss Roberts

u/slightlyoffki · 1 pointr/kungfu

Oh man, I could recommend so many.

Kung Fu and Taoism:

The Making of a Butterfly is one of my favorite books. It is about a white kid who starts learning Kung Fu out of a Chinese master's basement back in the 70s, well before Kung Fu was popularized in the West.

Chronicles of Tao by Deng Ming Dao is excellent, a narrative perspective of how Taoism intertwines with the life of a Kung Fu practitioner.

American Shaolin by Matthew Polly is an entertaining and illuminating story that disseminates a lot of the mysticism surrounding the Shaolin Temple.

The Crocodile and the Crane is a fun fictional book that is basically about Tai Chi saving the world from a zombie apocalypse.

My next goal is to tackle The Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Of course, I highly recommend the Tao Te Ching and the Art of War as well.

Buddhism: I highly recommend anything Thich Nhat Hanh. Anger and Peace is Every Step are two of my favorites.

Karate and Japanese Arts:

Moving Toward Stillness by Dave Lowry is one of my favorite books, taken from his columns in Black Belt Magazine over the years. A really excellent study on Japanese arts and philosophy.

Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings by Kenji Tokitsu is wonderful. It includes the Book of Five Rings as well as some of Musashi's other works, including many of his paintings.

The 47 Ronin, by John Allyn, a dramatization of the Genroku Ako Incident, is still quite poignant in 2016.

u/GodOfAtheism · 1 pointr/AskReddit
u/clugxlow · 1 pointr/threekingdoms

Sorry to bump an old thread, but does anyone know if this version of Moss Roberts' translation is the same as the Two volume set?

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Kingdoms-Chinese-Classics-Volumes/dp/7119005901/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QWT3NW5RQ2T252YWV2JR

I just like the design a lot more with this version, and four volumes seems easier to handle than two.