Pearl Buck's translation of
Outlaws of the Marsh, a
Chinese historical novel that has been the backstory to more
kung-fu flicks than any other source. It's a stirring tale of governmental
corruption, high adventure, and lots and lots of arcane chop-socky moves as Our Band of Heroes, 108 in all, each with a specialty, attempt to figure out exactly a) what is wrong with the
Imperial Army, b)who knew what when, and c) who's behind it all.
Not to be missed.