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The Tale of Cho Ung

A Classic of Vengeance, Loyalty, and Romance
  • Translated by: Sookja Cho
Language: English
Published/Copyright: 2018
View more publications by Columbia University Press
Translations from the Asian Classics
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About this book

The Tale of Cho Ung is one of the most widely read and beloved stories of Chosŏn Korea. The anonymously written tale recounts the adventures of protagonist Cho Ung as he overcomes obstacles and grows into a heroic young man. This first translation into English offers a glimpse into early modern Korean vernacular and popular literature.

Author / Editor information

Cho Sookja :

Sookja Cho is Assistant Professor of Korean in the School of International Letters and Cultures at Arizona State University.Sookja Cho is assistant professor of Korean and comparative literature at Arizona State University.

Reviews

Wiebke Denecke, Boston University:
This is the story of a hero par excellence who is as much a filial son, respectful pupil, loyal husband, and supreme judge of people as he is the ultimate warrior. Sookja Cho poignantly delivers both its poetic elements and popular storyteller qualities, delivering a boon to the growing premodern Korean literature field and all readers ready to indulge Late Chosŏn Korea’s distinctive world of martial narrating and moralizing."

Jin-Kyung Lee, University of California, San Diego:
The Tale of Cho Ung translates the heroic world of Cho Ung into readable, effortless English prose. Suppressing the hero’s dependence on supernatural powers and featuring his free will both in his military prowess and romantic pursuit, its premodern “realism” will have a particular appeal to modern readers. A major addition to Korean classics in English.

Michael Pettid, Binghamton University:
This fascinating tale of romance and adventure is a wonderful window into the creative spaces of the late Chosŏn period and the type of entertainment that many in this time sought. Cho’s artful translation of this best seller takes readers on wave after wave of intriguing places, bold exploits, and romantic encounters.

Robert E. Hegel, Washington University, St. Louis:
Despite its brash heroism and thirst for revenge, the dominant motif here is sorrow. Set in medieval China, Cho Ung’s martial adventures provoke copious tears, heartfelt lamentations, and abject apologies for ritual failures that are emotionally powerful for the modern reader as well. This is an unforgettable rendition of an extraordinary Bildungsroman.

John Duncan, University of California, Los Angeles:
The book provides a useful introduction to the publishing and circulation of narrative fiction that highlights the popularity of fiction set in China. Both introduction and translation reflect broad knowledge of Korean and Chinese literature. The translation is done in an engaging style without sacrificing the nuances of the original.

Chan E. Park, The Ohio State University:
This book enriches and expands the study of premodern Korean literature for scholars and general readers alike.


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Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook published on:
January 14, 2019
eBook ISBN:
9780231546492
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
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no art
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