The Middle Kingdom vs 聊齋誌異: Which Should You Read?
Both live on shelves: Chinese literature, Mœurs et coutumes, Manners and customs, Social life and customs
The Middle Kingdom
First published in 2009. This work by S. Wells Williams is a complete look at the Chinese Empire during the mid-nineteenth century. Subjects include the divisions of the Empire, geographical descriptions, religion and…
vs
The verdict
- Ratings are close across the board — any is a safe pick by score.
- 聊齋誌異 is the quickest read — about 9 hours vs 15 for The Middle Kingdom.
- The Middle Kingdom has the widest readership — 1622 ratings behind its score.
How to choose
Scores by source
| The Middle Kingdom | 聊齋誌異 | |
|---|---|---|
| Goodreads | 3.9 (1622) | 3.5 (2) |
| Hardcover | 3.4 (8) | — |
Reception
| The Middle Kingdom | 聊齋誌異 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | 1622 | 2 |
| Editions | 47 | 125 |
| Film adaptations | 1 | 1 |
| Want to read | 1651 | 19 |
| Reading it now | 25 | — |
| Written reviews | 83 | 2 |
| Wikipedia attention | 1042 | 2900 |
| Pages | 810 | 488 |