This is one of a series of five detective stories set in 7th century China when the judge was also the detective. Judge Dee has three murders to solve and there is an obvious suspect who everyone wants to put on trial, but Judge Dee is suspicious and manages to track down the real murderer.
Robert H van Gulik Book order (chronological)
Robert Hans van Gulik was a Dutch diplomat renowned for his Judge Dee mysteries. His literary journey began with a translation of an eighteenth-century Chinese murder mystery, leading him to create new adventures for Judge Dee, a character inspired by a seventh-century historical figure. Van Gulik's work seamlessly blends historical intrigue with compelling detective narratives. Beyond his celebrated fictional cases, he also authored scholarly works focusing on Chinese history.
Sexual Life in Ancient China
- 392 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Robert van Gulik is known for his famous detective stories set in medieval China featuring Judge Ti. However, he was also a significant orientalist and diplomat. In "Sexual Life in Ancient China," van Gulik explores the Chinese attitude toward sexuality from the earliest records up to 1644, the year the last ethnically Chinese Ming dynasty fell. This engaging and readable work provides insights into the cultural, social, and historical contexts of sexual practices and beliefs in ancient China, reflecting the complexities of human relationships and societal norms throughout the centuries.