The Classic of Mountains and Seas

This major source of Chinese mythology (third century BC to second century AD) contains a treasure trove of rare data and colorful fiction about the mythical figures, rituals, medicine, natural history, and ethnic peoples of the ancient world.

The Classic of Mountains and Seas explores 204 mythical figures such as the gods Foremost, Fond Care, and Yellow, and goddesses Queen Mother of the West and Girl Lovely, as well as many other figures unknown outside this text. This eclectic Classic also contains crucial information on early medicine (with cures for impotence and infertility), omens to avert catastrophe, and rites of sacrifice, and familiar and unidentified plants and animals. It offers a guided tour of the known world in antiquity, moving outwards from the famous mountains of central China to the lands “beyond the seas.”

Translated with an introduction and notes by Anne Birrell.The Classic of Mountains and SeasAcknowledgements
Introduction
Chronological Table
A Note on the Text

Book One
The Classic of the Southern Mountains
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Book Two
The Classic of the Western Mountains
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Book Three
The Classic of the Northern Mountains
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Book Four
The Classic of the Eastern Mountains
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Book Five
The Classic of the Central Mountains
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

Book Six
The Classic of Regions Beyond the Seas: The South
The Regions Beyond the Seas, from the Southwest Corner to the Southeast Corner

Book Seven
The Classic of Regions Beyond the Seas: The West
The Regions Beyond the Seas, from the Southwest Corner to the Northwest Corner

Book Eight
The Classic of Regions Beyond the Seas: The North
The Regions Beyond the Seas, from the Northeast Corner to the Northwest Corner

Book Nine
The Classic of Regions Beyond the Seas: The East
The Regions Beyond the Seas, from the Southeast Corner to the Northeast Corner

Book Ten
The Classic of Regions Within the Seas: The South
The Regions Within the Seas, from the Southeast Corner to the Western Part

Book Eleven
The Classic of Regions Within the Seas: The West
The Regions Within the Seas, from the Southwest Corner to the Northern Part

Book Twelve
The Classic of Regions Within the Seas: The North
The Regions Within the Seas, from the Northwest Corner to the Eastern Part

Book Thirteen
The Classic of Regions Within the Seas: The East
The Regions Within the Seas, from the Northeast Corner to the Southern Part

Book Fourteen
The Classic of the Great Wilderness: The East

Book Fifteen
The Classic of the Great Wilderness: The South

Book Sixteen
The Classic of the Great Wilderness: The West

Book Seventeen
The Classic of the Great Wilderness: The North

Book Eighteen
The Classic of Regions Within the Seas

Notes on Chinese Names and Terms
Bibliography