The Carnal Prayer Mat / / Li Yu.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter University of Hawaii Press Archive eBook-Package Pre-2000
• VerfasserIn: Yu, Li,
• MitwirkendeR: Hanan, Patrick,
• Place / Publishing House: Honolulu : : University of Hawaii Press, , [2023]; ©1996
• Year of Publication: 2023
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (332 p.)

In the 300 years since its initial publication, Li Yu's book has been widely read in China, where it is recognized as a benchmark of erotic literature and currently enjoys the distinction of being a banned-in-Beijing classic.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- INTRODUCTION -- CHAPTER ONE Make use of lechery in putting a stop to lechery; Start off with sex in treating the subject of sex -- CHAPTER TWO An old monk opens his leather bag in vain, As a young layman prefers the carnal prayer mat -- CHAPTER THREE A puritanical father errs in taking a libertine as son-in-law, And a proper young lady falls for a faithless rake -- CHAPTER FOUR A traveler bemoans his solitude while spending a night in the wilds, And a thief discourses on sexual passion to pass the time -- CHAPTER FIVE In selecting beauties, he rigorously compiles a list of names; For personal reasons, he leniently admits an older woman -- CHAPTER SIX In embellishing a shortcoming, he boasts of a long suit; For presenting a small object, he is mocked by a great expert -- CHAPTER SEVEN Complaining of his physical endowment, he laments with hand on groin; Hoping to rectify his failing, he prays on bended knee -- CHAPTER EIGHT After Vesperus cultivates himself for three months, a friend eyes him anew; When he flaunts his looks just once, a beauty loses her heart -- CHAPTER NINE One woman, although adept at the rarest sensuality, upholds basic principle, While another, although ready for leftover pleasures, takes first prize -- CHAPTER TEN By listening to her precursor, she finds a strong opponent; By allowing a little grace, she fosters a true talent -- CHAPTER ELEVEN A housebreaking hero throws his money about, And clandestine lovers become husband and wife -- CHAPTER TWELVE By means of kowtowing, he succeeds in seduction; In spite of her jealousy, she arranges a pact -- CHAPTER THIRTEEN To purge his hatred, he smashes his pots and pans and burns his boat; To avenge adultery, he sleeps on woodpiles and sups on gall -- CHAPTER FOURTEEN When he shuts his door to talk of love, the walls have ears; When she forbids anyone to watch her bathing, "there's no money here" -- CHAPTER FIFTEEN Three allies gallantly discuss nocturnal revels, And two sisters evenly divide a night of pleasure -- CHAPTER SIXTEEN Real enjoyment comes to grief at midpoint, As a human erotic album is seized in its trunk -- CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Through others' deception she gains the advantage; By her own arrogance she suffers abuse -- CHAPTER EIGHTEEN His wife becomes a prostitute and publicly repays his debts, While two brothers compete for a charmer and secretly collect their dues -- CHAPTER NINETEEN The cup of his sins runs full, as two wives bring disgrace; Buddhist mysteries are revealed, as sensuous pleasure turns to emptiness -- CHAPTER TWENTY Through Leather Bag's generosity, satyr and rogue are saved; On the broad Buddhist highway, enemy and creditor are able to meet -- ABOUT THE AUTHOR -- ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR