The Water Margin

A spellbinding new translation of one of China’s great classical novels

Based on the story of the historical bandit Song Jiang and his companions, this epic tale of rebellion against tyranny and unjust government has been thrilling and inspiring readers for hundreds of years. Adventure, murder, warfare, and romance meet in a connected series of fascinating, individual tales told in the suspenseful manner of the traditional storyteller. From supernatural feats of endurance to poisonings, witchcraft and cannibalism, and with timeless tales of villainy and heroism, The Water Margin is a fascinating, suspenseful account of twelfth-century events during the Song dynasty.Shi Nai'an (ca. 1296-1372), was a Chinese writer from Suzhou. He was attributed as the first compiler of The Water Margin (also known as Outlaws of the Marsh), one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature.

Martin Palmer (translator) is director of the International Consultancy on Religion, Education and Culture (ICOREC) and secretary general of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC). His previous translations include The Book of Chuang Tzu and The Most Venerable Book (both Penguin Classics), The Dao de Jing and The I Ching.