My copy arrived in the mail yesterday. I read the preface and the first story ('The Subtlety of Kang Chieng') last night. I can't believe it took over 100 years for this story to get published! Normally, when seeing these 'lost works' - the stories from the bottom of the barrel, so to speak- come out, I am prepared for mild disappointment, as I realize that there was perhaps a reason why they remained buried for so long. But in this case, I was not disappointed in the least. This story would have fit very well in The Wallet of Kai Lung. After a brief humorous introduction, in which Kai Lung is called upon by two individuals to resolve a dispute between them, his decision reminds him of the story which he proceeds to relate. If the rest of the previously unpublished stories are as good as the first, then this collection is an essential addition to the Kai Lung library.

I love the cover art chosen too. Very beautiful and appropriate for the work. ( )