Romance of the Three Kingdoms is one of the earliest novels in Chinese literature and one of the most popular. It is considered one of the four classics of the Chinese literary tradition. The other three works are Dream of the Red Chamber, Journey to the West, and Water Margin. Romance of the Three Kingdoms is attributed to Luo Guanzhong, a Chinese writer who lived during the 1300’s.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a historical epic set from the fall of the Han dynasty in A.D. 220 to the period of the Three Kingdoms, which ended in 280. The title refers to the three-part division of China into the states of Shu, Wei, and Wu.
The novel mixes actual history with legends and mythology. The narrative focuses on the three power groups who would eventually form the Three Kingdoms. The novel portrays the military battles, personal conflicts, plots, and intrigues among the three states to achieve domination. Romance of the Three Kingdoms has hundreds of characters, the majority of them historical figures. Many have become models for characters in popular Chinese fiction and theater. Its heroes include the wise Zhuge Liang; the ruthless Cao Cao; and Guan Yu, who became a god of war after his death.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms grew over the centuries from the gradual addition of folk tales and material from stage plays. The earliest surviving edition was published about 1522. The standard version of the work was compiled in 1679. A four-volume English translation by Moss Roberts was published in 2006. The novel is popular in Japan and South Korea where it has inspired a series of video games.
