Episode Details

The Ming Dynasty novel "Water Margin," a.k.a. "All Men Are Brothers," a.k.a. "Outlaws of the Marsh," ranks among the greatest works of prose fiction in Chinese literature.

But much about the book remains uncertain: Wrote it? When? What constitutes the definitive edition and how long is it? And finally, what is its moral message?

What is beyond doubt is that "Water Margin" has endured as one of the best loved and most impactful works ever produced in Chinese literature. It's one of the texts that you must know if you hope to understand Chinese culture.

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