8 h 43 minAudiobook5 minSummaryRead it, hear it, the 15-minute summary, and print and large print at costPaperback · 6 × 9 in · printing soonHardcover · 6 × 9 in · printing soonAbout this book
What happens when the law drives honorable people into outlaw life—and loyalty becomes as dangerous as anger?
In Song-dynasty China, powerful officials use the law for private gain. At Liangshan Marsh, 108 outlaws gather after injustice, revenge, and dangerous tempers push them outside society. Water Margin, traditionally attributed to Shi Nai'an, follows their growing brotherhood through fierce friendships and frightening violence.
Song Jiang helps bind these very different people together through his generosity. Lin Chong faces persecution, Lu Zhishen strikes against cruelty, and Wu Song pursues fierce revenge. Yet their shared enemies do not settle their future. Song Jiang remains loyal to the emperor, even as corrupt officials drive men into rebellion.
What you’ll discover
- A brotherhood of fugitives Enter Liangshan Marsh, where separate lives gather into a powerful, troubled fellowship of outlaws.
- Justice turned against people Follow Lin Chong as corrupt power forces a law-abiding arms instructor toward outlaw life.
- Fighters with dangerous tempers Meet Lu Zhishen and Wu Song, whose strength confronts cruelty but also brings frightening violence.
- Loyalty without easy answers Explore Song Jiang's devotion to the emperor and the tension it creates within his brotherhood.
- Devotion with a dark edge Encounter Li Kui, whose fierce attachment to Song Jiang makes loyalty a reckless, dangerous force.
Who will love it
Readers who love sworn brotherhood, wandering heroes, daring escapes and clever schemes, and who enjoy a huge cast of vivid fighters, each with a nickname and a story of his own.
What’s inside
The key ideas, in the 15-minute summary
- A broken seal frees one hundred and eight demons
- Corrupt officials drive skilled men outside the law
- Shi Jin learns weapons skills from Wang Jin
- Lu Da kills a butcher and becomes a monk
- Lin Chong is framed and nearly murdered
- Wu Song avenges his poisoned brother
- Song Jiang's kindness leads him to disaster
- The marsh gathers heroes through trick and trial
- What the story is really about
Who’s who
- Song JiangA kind clerk from Yuncheng who helps all who ask and risks his life to warn Chao Gai of arrest.
- Lin ChongAn Imperial Guard instructor framed by Gao Qiu, driven from his wife and home, and sent toward Liangshan.
- Chao GaiA generous village headman who helps plan the theft of the birthday gifts and later leads the marsh band.
- Wu YongA clever village teacher whose schemes win the stronghold men and victories.
- Gao QiuA ball-playing favorite who rises to command the Palace Guards and persecutes honest men.
- Li KuiA fierce axe-wielding fighter, blunt and loyal, who is devoted to Song Jiang.
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- Large print hardcover
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25 languages, side by side
I briganti in 25 languages, side by side, paragraph by paragraph, once the book texts are online: the way to learn a language with a book you love.
I briganti
by Shi Nai’an · 1350
A marshal breaks a seal and frees 108 demon spirits, who return as outlaws to challenge a corrupt Song court.
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In short
What happens when a careless official breaks a seal that was never meant to be opened? This book gives you the first outlaws, their wrongs and their choices, and the gathering marsh stronghold.
From the 15-minute summary · Key idea 1
A broken seal frees one hundred and eight demons
The tale opens in the reign of Emperor Renzong, when a plague strikes the capital. The court sends Marshal Hong to Mount Longhu to fetch the Celestial Master Zhang, who can pray the sickness away.
Hong is frightened by a tiger and a great snake on the climb. He meets a boy riding backward on an ox but fails to recognize the Celestial Master. The priests explain his mistake when he returns. Back at the temple, he spots a sealed hall and forces the Taoists to open it.
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What is Water Margin about?
Each hero has his own wrong and nickname, and together they form a brotherhood that defies the Song court.
Who is Song Jiang?
Song Jiang is a clerk from Yuncheng nicknamed Timely Rain for his readiness to help others. After a killing he flees, then faces exile and further danger.
What does the title Water Margin mean?
The title points to the watery edge of Liangshan Marsh, the outlaw refuge where the heroes gather. It places the story at the margin of the lawful world, among reeds, channels and boats.
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