The Deer and the Cauldron: 3 Volume Set Paperback – June 26, 2018

While I'm really happy with this novel I totally dislike the parcel package in which it was sent by amazon. Why?No Softening Wrapping at all (except some air-filled partially blown out bags fitting except for skate shoes - not for the books). In the result I received partially damaged corners on 1st and 3rd volumes and the cover itself. Also, some scratches on cover and volume 3. So, its can't be considered as "collectible item" anymore. Right?Thanks, guys! You made my day. :) Someone played football well enough.On the other hand I like design, typography and print for this 3-set edition. While it's quite budget - glued binding with paperback and rough dense paper - its still nicely crafted.As for the translation itself it is always strange for me when some names partially translated into english - like Trinket (Wei Xiaobaо) or Whiskers (Mao Shiba, Mao Eighteen). Why? Why you did that?It doesn't make sense and make it hard to identify person. I recently watched 2014 TV adaptation and for me the protagonist name is Wei XiaoBao or Xiao (or Bao in some cases - two or three times).My point here : the great translation clarifies words exactly when wordplay happens - in the form of footnotes.

Overall great job on the translation on this series. Very impressive.

Thank you for the translated books. Love this writing and wish there are more English versions to share his talent with the world.

This is not about the novel... but the version. This is NOT a three volume hardcover slipcased set. It is a three volume SOFTCOVER slipcased set. More than a little disappointed and what I got is what is pictured on the listing, it is simply not hard covered books... compared to similar slipcased softcover versions of Water Margin or Three Kingdoms this seems a bit overpriced.

Wonderful set of books.

Thank you so much!

A fun read. I am borrowing this line from someone I know: This is like Forest Gump & Kungfu. An epic historical fiction, it is set in the period from 1668 to 1688, as the transition took place between two major dynasties led by different ethnic groups (Han ruler lost to Manchu)This book series follows a 12ish-year-old boy Trinket (aka Xiaobao) who is ready to leave his hometown circle for an adventure, saying goodbye to his mom and his "sisters" at the brothel that he grew up in. A thieving and mischievous bastard, Trinket is yet gregarious and widely liked. He is not your traditional Wuxia hero and is actually pretty bad at martial arts. At tough crossroads of life and death, he chooses between money, love, friends and freedom.John Minford the translator did a fabulous job, making it a smooth and accessible read with helpful footnotes. I wish a Kindle version would be available some day...