Zhong Guo Gu Dai Yu Yan Gu Shi, Ancient Chinese Fables: English translation by Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang. Published by Foreign Languages Press, 2001. Paperback: 263 pages; Dimensions (in inches): 0.07 x 8.00 x 5.08. ISBN: 7119028871
A fable is a type of literature which uses parables to drive home the truth. It often uses exaggerated and imaginary means, simply yet lively language, and distinct and vivid images to embody the philosophy of life in interesting stories. It explains one point with another point, the profound with the elementary, the remote with the near, the large with the small, the present with the past, and the human being with inorganic matter, to enable people to gain enlightenment and learn lessons. Over one hundred of the best ancient Chinese fables-mostly from the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. as well as the 16th and 17th centuries- are contained in this volume. Written in the simple language of the people, these fables embodying the experience and wisdom of the Chinese have found their way into the hearts of many over hundreds of years.