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

Cover of The Middle Kingdom

The Middle Kingdom S. Wells Williams · 1848 ★★★★☆ 3.9 810 pages · ≈ 15 h 00 m · Demanding Find on Amazon

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Cover of 聊齋誌異

聊齋誌異 Pu Songling · 1869 ★★★★☆ 3.8 488 pages · ≈ 9 h 02 m · Challenging Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 3.9 vs 3.8 — either is a safe pick by score.
聊齋誌異 is the quicker read — about 9 hours vs 15 for The Middle Kingdom.
聊齋誌異 is the easier read (Challenging), The Middle Kingdom more demanding (Demanding).

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