Books by Cyril Birch

The first introduction to the classical Chinese theater of Ming drama contains highlights from six of the best plays of the period and lively commentary on each, providing the context necessary for Western readers to grasp the scope of the genre.

This collection of Chinese stories begins with the great legends of how Earth and Heaven came into being. There are folk-tales too, about ghosts and rain-makers, poor students and magicians, and the man who was nearly made into fish paste. Throughout the collection, the author brings to life all the magic and mystery of China.