"Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio (Complete Version with Notes, Translations and Color Illustrations)" Author: Pu Songling Publisher: Yuelu Publishing House

Introduction
"Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio" is a collection of short stories written in classical Chinese by Pu Songling in the Qing Dynasty. The author began writing when he was over 30 years old, and it was not until his later years that he put all his efforts into this "book of loneliness and indignation". The book is divided into twelve volumes, with a total of 494 chapters. Most of the book uses legendary techniques to describe the themes of strange stories, integrating the nature of things, the supernatural, and human nature, and creating a series of artistic images of flowers, demons, and foxes. It not only vividly describes the joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness of individuals who desire liberation and pursue happiness, but also deeply reveals the various drawbacks of real society and the fickleness of the world. In terms of artistic expression, it is particularly successful with its wonderful conception, tortuous plot, and concise and vivid language. Therefore, it is called the peak of Chinese classical short stories.