Author: Herbert Allen Giles

Songling Pu (1640–1715), also transliterated as P”u Sung-ling, was a Chinese writer renowned for his work “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio” (Liaozhai Zhiyi), which has significantly influenced Chinese literature and culture. Born in the late Ming dynasty in Zichuan (present-day Shandong province), Pu attained the lowest degree in the Chinese civil service examination but was never able to advance to higher levels due to the political and social upheavals of his times. Turned towards a literary career, he compiled what would become one of the most celebrated collections of fantastic tales in Chinese literature. Spawned over years from various folklores, legends and his own imagination, “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio” consists of nearly 500 stories, epitomizing the zhiguai genre, which means “tales of the strange and the supernatural.” Pu”s writing is characterized by a whimsical blend of wit, allegory, and a deeply satirical critique of the social and bureaucratic deficiencies of his day. The infusion of supernatural elements in his stories often serves to highlight human nature and societal issues, rather than merely providing escapism. “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio” has seen numerous translations and remains an essential text for understanding traditional Chinese storytelling and Qing-era society. Pu”s mastery of the classical Chinese language and his pioneering narrative style have enshrined his place as a significant literary figure in China and beyond.