Xun (or Hsun) is the master (inventor?) of the modern Chinese short story. Some of his stories were translated into American English in 1941, but more recent translations have been into a British English. Lyell provides an introduction, notes on pronunciation and further notes on the text, intending to win as wide an audience as possible beyond those already familiar with Chinese history and culture. Annotation(c) 2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)