The Adventurous History of Hsi Men and His Six Wives

Written in the 15th century, this is a Ming soap opera that follows the lusty and self-indulgent playboy Hsi Men and his large and wealthy household. The books starts with his affair with the beautiful and treacherous Golden Lotus. It is full of tales of jealousy, deceit and betrayal, the only consolations being that everyone usually gets what they deserve and it is often quite funny. Written by a public official during last years of the Ming dynasty, this book highlights and mocks the corruption and decadence that led to its end. (Ryan Lile)