The Mythology Shelf

The Chinese Myths
Tao Tao Liu
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500252383, $25.95, HC, 224pp

https://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Myths-Guide-Gods-Legends/dp/0500252386

Synopsis: With the publication of "The Chinese Myths: A Guide to the Gods a=
nd Legends", Professor Tao Tao Liu provides the reader with a concise and e= ntertaining guide to the complex tradition of Chinese mythology. While many=
around the world are familiar with some aspects of Chinese myth (through C= hinese New Year festivities or the classic adventures of the Monkey King in=
Journey to the West) not everyone understands the richness of Chinese myth= ology, especially as influenced by Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Offering more than a simple overview of Chinese mythology, "The Chinese Myt= hs" not only retells the ancient stories but also considers their place wit= hin the patterns of Chinese religions, culture, and history. An expert on t=
he subject, Professor Tao Tao Liu introduces an intriguing cast of gods, go= ddesses, dragons, and monks, including the ancient hero Yi the Archer, who = shot suns out of the sky to save humanity from a drought; Guanyin, the godd= ess of mercy and compassion, to whom there are temples dedicated all over E= ast Asia; and Madame White Snake, a water snake spirit in the guise of a my= sterious widow, her story adapted into countless films and operas.

Critique: Exquisitely illustrated with blue/white images throughout, "The C= hinese Myths: A Guide to the Gods and Legends" is very special volume is fo=
r anyone interested in China or mythology, as knowing China's myths allows = readers to understand and appreciate its culture in a new light. Exceptiona= lly well written, organized and presented, "The Chinese Myths: A Guide to t=
he Gods and Legends" is especially and particularly recommended as a core a= ddition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Myth/Fol= klore collections in general, and supplemental curriculum Chinese Mythology=
studies lists in particular.

Editorial Note: Tao Tao Liu (https://www.orinst.ox.ac.uk/people/taotao-liu)=
is a retired senior lecturer in Chinese literature in the faculty of Orien= tal Studies, University of Oxford.

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