Description: In this Ming-era novel, historical narrative, raucous humor, and the supernatural are interwoven to tell the tale of an attempt to overthrow the Song dynasty. Quelling the Demons' Revolt is centered on the rebellion led by Wang Ze in 1047-48, warning of the vulnerability of a world plagued by demonic forces as well as mundane corruption.
Review Quotes: Quelling the Demons' Revolt is a spirited translation by Patrick Hanan. Beginning with a revolt led by a messianic Buddhist movement, the novel moves from historical events of the eleventh century to stories of folly and venality that resonate with audiences of any era. This comic novel is a cornucopia of tales about trickery, seduction, demonology, and the supernatural, played out by pawnbrokers, seducers, rebels, dim-witted magistrates, and strong-minded women. Hanan's translation deftly captures the wit and vitality of the original work.--Anne McLaren, University of Melbourne