Containing eight plays by the magnificent Guan Hanqing, the Shakespeare of China. Guan Hanqing lived in the 13th century, at the height of the Yuan Dynasty. An actor himself, he is said to have written more than 60 plays for the travelling theater groups which flourished in China in those days. His works concerned history, deception, treachery, men, women, and the abuse of offical power. Also of note are the powerful and resourceful women he gives in such comedies as Rescued by a Coquette, the portrayals of middle-class life back then, and not a bit of bawdy humor.