In this seventeenth-century Chinese novel, Han Xiangzi, best known as one of the Eight Immortals, seeks and achieves immortality and then devotes himself to converting his materialistic, politically ambitious Confucian uncle--Han Yu (a real historical figure)--to Daoism. Written in lively vernacular prose interspersed with poems and songs, the novel takes its readers over vast distances across China, to the heavens, and into the underworld. This is the first translation into any Western language.

Preface & AcknowledgmentsTranslator's IntroductionThe Story of Han XiangziPrefacePrologue1. At Mount Pleasant Yike, a Crane Refines Himself / At the Banks of the River Xiang, a Musk Deer Receives His Punishment2. Seeking Escape from Samsara, the Crane Boy Is Reborn / Discussing Astrology and Physiognomy, Zhong and Lu Conceal Their Names3. Han Yu Inscribes His Name on the Tiger Placard / Xiangzi Drinks the Wedding Cup in the Nuptial Chamber4. Zhong and Lu Appear on Gold Sprinkle Bridge / Han Xiang Studies the Dao on Sleeping Tiger Mountain5. By Cutting Down the Hibiscus, Mme. Dou Criticizes Luying / While Waiting at the City Gate, the Crowds Tease Xiangzi6. Abondoning His Family Bonds, Xiangzi Cultivates Himself / A Transformed Beauty Tempts Xiangzi for the First TIme7. Tiger and Snake Block the Road to Test Han Xiang / Monsters and Demons Flee from Perfect Fire8. A Bodhisattva Manifests a Numinous Sign as He Ascends to the Upper Realm / Han Xiangzi Guards the Elixir Cauldron with Firm Concentration9. Han Xiangzi's Name Is Recorded at the Purple Office / Two Shepherds Recognize a Divine Immortal10. Bragging and Boasting, Turtle and Egret Bring Calamity upon Themselves / Singing Daoist Songs, Han Ziangzi Moves the Crowd11. In Disguise, Xiangzi Transmits a Message / A Stone Lion Is Transformed into Gold12. When Tuizhi Prays for Snow, Xiangzi Ascends the Southern Shrine / The Dragon King Bows and Follows Orders13. Riding an Auspicious Cloud, Xiangzi Is Saluted by Emperor Xianzong / Discoursing on Complete Perfection, Xiangzi Chants a Poem14. Rushing in at a Birthday Banquet, Xiangzi Engages the Guests in Conversation / Hearing of Nourishing Primordial Yang, Tuizhi Does Not Become Enlightened15. Manifesting His Divine Powers, Xiangzi Lies Snoring on the Ground / A False Daoist Drinks Merrily before the Assembled Guests16. Xiangzi Enters the Underworld to Examine the Registers of Live and Death / He Summons Immortal Maidens to Deliver Birthday Greetings17. By His Divine Powers, Han Xiangzi Manifests Transformations / Lin Luying Is Entagled in Love18. Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Respectfully Welcomes the Buddha Bone / Han Tuizhi's Indignant Protest Gets Him Banished19. Banished to Chaozhou, Tuizhi Travels to His Post / Crossing the River of Love, Xiangzi Rows the Boat20. At the Village of Beautiful Women, a Fisherman and a Woodcutter Open Tuizhi's Mind / On a Snowy Mountain, a Herdboy Awakens Tuizhi from His Confusion21. Inquiring into His Fortunes, Tuizhi Seeks an Oracle in a Temple / Seeking to Assuage His Hunger and Thirst, Tuizhi Stays in a Thatched Hut22. Sitting in a Thatched Hut, Tuizhi Sighs to Himself / Expelling a Crocodile, the Celestial Generals Bestow Blessings on the People23. Arduous Cultivation Leads Tuizhi to an Awakening / Willingly Guarding Her Chastity, Luying Remains Steadfast and Virtuous24. Returning Home, Han Xiang Manifests His Transformative Powers / Shooting a Parrot, Mme. Dou Remains Attached to Her Illusions25. Master Lu Sends a Dream to the Cui Family / Mother Zhang Two Makes a Marriage Proposal at the Han Mansion26. Minister Cui Pretends to Act in the Public Interest while Taking Revenge for a Private Grudge / Two Fishermen Sit Together as They Cast Their Lines27. At the Zhuowei Hermitage, Master and Servants Meet Again / Caring for an Ox, Han Yu Awakens to the Dao28. On Cheating Mountain, a Woodcutter Shows the Way / Mother and Daughter-in-Law Cultivate Themselves in Magu's Hermitage29. A Bear-Man Carries Han Qing across the Mountain Ranges / An Immortal Transmits Mysterious Secrets to Mme. Dou30. The Musk Deer Is Freed from His Water Prison / The Han and Lin Families Together Realize the Sacred and Transcend the WorldNotes