Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents vii
3. Acknowledgments ix
4. Introduction. The Substance of Fiction 1
5. CHAPTER ONE. The Python Robe of The Plum in the Golden Vase 12
6. CHAPTER TWO. Ling Mengchu’s Shell 38
7. CHAPTER THREE. Du Shiniang’s Jewel Box 54
8. CHAPTER FOUR. Li Yu’s Telescope 78
9. CHAPTER FIVE. The Plate-Glass Mirror in The Story of the Stone 109
10. CHAPTER SIX. Historicizing Recession via The Story of the Stone and the Juanqinzhai 145
11. Conclusion. Literary Objects 169
12. Notes 175
13. Bibliography 219
14. Index 233