Chinese Mythology: An Introduction

Review

The first serious and comprehensive introduction to Chinese mythology aimed at both the specialist and general reader. It is splendidly organized with well-chosen texts, lucid commentary, and useful supplementary matter . . . Sets new standards in the presentation of Chinese mythology.―Asian AffairsWe must all thank Professor Birrell for providing an incredibly bountiful source, containing all manner of practical and fascinating information within its framework of myths. This book should find many uses and readers―it is a superb resource for teaching about Chinese myth, literature, history, religion, culture, and thought.―Suzanne Cahill, Journal of Asian StudiesOne can safely expect to see this volume in all libraries that serve educated general readers as well as even the most modest academic libraries. Anne Birrell is to be congratulated for bringing this arcane subject matter into the grasp of a wide variety of readers outside the China-studies area.―Robert E. Hegel, Chinese Literature: Essays, Articles, ReviewsGoes far beyond anything in or out of print on this subject. Nothing remotely of this stimulating nature and high quality exists in English. It will be very much sought after by sinologists, but especially by non-sinologist comparativists. Birrell has singlehandedly saved the scholarly world at least a decade in its attempts to come to grips with this fragmented, refractory body of narratives . . . [A] marvelous work of humanistic scholarship.―Victor H. Mair, University of Pennsylvania

Review

Goes far beyond anything in or out of print on this subject. Nothing remotely of this stimulating nature and high quality exists in English. It will be very much sought after by sinologists, but especially by non-sinologist comparativists. Birrell has singlehandedly saved the scholarly world at least a decade in its attempts to come to grips with this fragmented, refractory body of narratives . . . [A] marvelous work of humanistic scholarship. -- Victor H. Mair