列仙傳 by Xiang Liu

"列仙傳" by Xiang Liu is a hagiography compiled during the 2nd century CE. This ancient Chinese text presents the life stories of approximately seventy mythological and historical transcendent beings—figures who achieved extraordinary longevity through Daoist practices. Though traditionally attributed to Western Han librarian Liu Xiang, the work's true origins remain mysterious, with evidence suggesting later compilation and editing. These biographical sketches became foundational for Chinese religious literature, establishing a template that influenced centuries of spiritual writing and providing educated Chinese readers with a rich source of literary allusion about immortals and alchemists. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Download for free

For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.

Other formats & older devices

About this eBook

Author Liu, Xiang, 78? BCE-7? BCE
Translator Zhang, Jinling
Title 列仙傳
Alternate Title Lie xian zhuan
Note Wikipedia page about this book: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liexian_Zhuan
Credits Produced by Ting-Ling Shi
Language Chinese
LoC Class GR: Geography, Anthropology, Recreation: Folklore
Subject Fairies -- China
Category Text
eBook-No. 25414
Release Date
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 415 downloads in the last 30 days.

Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!