"[ The Water Margin ] is a great pageant of China. I think it is one of the most magnificent pageants ever made of any people." —Pearl S. Buck The Water Margin is an epic tale set in 12th century Imperial China, and is one of the earliest and greatest masterpieces of Chinese fiction. Weaving together historical details and memorable characters, it tells the exciting story of a rebellion against tyranny set amidst the turmoil of a crumbling empire. In this action-packed story, a desperate band of outlaws are drawn together by fate and a shared desire for justice. They are pursued to remote marshes near Liangshan Mountain by corrupt officials, where their popularity among the local populace only grows. Through intricate schemes, epic battles, narrow escapes and unexpected treachery, the heroes vow to fight to the death for freedom and for their loyalty and love for one another. The book's intriguing cast of characters, all revered folk heroes in China today, includes : Song Jiang : The charismatic leader of the rebellion, who assembles the band of outcasts and leads them into battle against overwhelming odds Sun Erniang : A determined female warrior whose courage inspires her male comrades Wu Song : Fierce and audacious, with a reputation matched only by his love of wine and women Pan Jinliang : A beautiful and mysterious temptress known as one of the most notorious villains in Chinese literature Famous for its bawdy language, this new edition restores passages omitted in all other English versions because they were thought to be too racy. A detailed introduction by Edwin Lowe explains how the book's core message of courage and loyalty has captured the imagination of Chinese readers and continues to resonate with them today.