A Compendium of Anecdotes Old and New (Volume 3)

Feng MenglongMay 2024

4.1

Word count: 55K words
Chapters: 9

Summary

This book is a collection of ancient Chinese jokes and humorous vignettes. Feng Menglong gathered a wealth of amusing and interesting stories from official histories and unofficial notebooks of successive dynasties, exposing social evils and various grotesque and morbid phenomena. It both entertains readers and sharpens the mind and serves as a cautionary mirror; it is a highly instructive read. Most of the content consists of historical anecdotes, such as the famous "the magistrate sets the fire."

Editor's review

Feng Menglong compiled amusing and interesting tales from official histories and unofficial notebooks of successive dynasties into this collection, which is both a joke book and a set of humorous vignettes. Its value lies not in mere amusement but in using laughter as a mirror: behind anecdotes like "the magistrate sets the fire" lies a biting exposure of bureaucratic pathology and the grotesque ways of the world. The reading is easy, yet it often jolts the reader into vigilance after a laugh, combining entertainment with edification. This is the third volume; the pieces are short and self-contained, suited to casual reading in spare moments and to readers seeking an introduction to Ming literati humor and the notebook genre. While reading, note the sources of the stories and the author's comments, which make clearer how Feng Menglong trimmed old tales into satirical vignettes.

Who it's for

A good fit for

General readers who enjoy ancient notebooks, jokes, and anecdotes
Those who want to read classical texts casually in spare moments
Readers interested in Ming-era social life and literati tastes
Readers who need short pieces for storytelling or writing

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting a complete, continuous novel plot
Readers who prefer serious scholarly textual criticism and detailed annotations

Reading tips

Read three to five pieces at a time; don't rush through, savor the satire
When you recognize an anecdote, compare it with its source and consider the author's editorial intent
Keep a pen handy and jot down amusing stories to share
After finishing a volume, review the table of contents and group similar stories by theme for comparison

版权信息
贪秽部第十五
鸷忍部第十六
容悦部第十七
颜甲部第十八
闺诫部第十九
委蜕部第二十
谲智部第二十一
儇弄部第二十二

FAQ

Is this book a complete long story?

No. It consists of many short, self-contained historical anecdotes and amusing tales, each a piece unto itself; you can dip in at random without reading in order.

Can I understand it without a foundation in classical Chinese?

Most pieces are short with straightforward narration; basic classical Chinese reading ability is enough to grasp the gist. For unfamiliar allusions, context will carry you through without spoiling the fun.

What practical value is there in reading a joke collection?

Beyond entertainment, many stories expose bureaucratic and social pathologies, helping readers stay alert amid laughter; it is also a light window into the mindset of premodern society.

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About the author

Feng Menglong Author · Chinese · 1574–1646

Feng Menglong (1574–1646), courtesy name Youlong and style name Mohan Zhai Zhuren, was a native of Changzhou in Suzhou Prefecture (present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu). A Ming dynasty writer and dramatist, he devoted his life to collecting and editing popular literature. He compiled Yushi Mingyan, Jingshi Tongyan, and Xingshi Hengyan, known collectively as the "Three Words," which became representative anthologies of vernacular short stories. He also compiled Qingshi and Gujin Tangui, revised Xin Lieguo Zhi and Pingyao Zhuan, and served as magistrate of Shouning County in Fujian. His works draw on urban life and folk legends, employ lively vernacular language, and focus on human nature and social manners, exerting a lasting influence on later vernacular fiction and drama. The library holds 200 of his works, spanning classical literature and social fiction.