Old Kiln

Jia Pingwa began his life as a published author in 1980 and published his first novel in 1986. His 1993 novel Ruined City was banned for explicit content and became one of the most pirated books in modern Chinese literature. Jia Pingwa went on to publish a further 11 novels and has won multiple literary prizes. James Trapp has had a long career promoting Chinese language and culture in UK schools. As well as new versions of the Art of War and Daodejing, his translations include Shadow of the Hunter, Longevity Park and Old Kiln. Much of his work revolves around integrating the study of Chinese language and culture, and breaking down barriers of cultural misunderstanding that still persist. Olivia Milburn is professor of Chinese language and literature at Seoul National University. In 2018, Milburn’s translation work was recognised by the Chinese government with a Special Book Award of China, which honours contributions to bridging cultures and fostering understanding. Christopher Payne has co-translated the award-winning novels Decoded and In the Dark by Mai Jia, and along with his frequent collaborator, Olivia Milburn, he’s also brought Jiang Zilong’s magnum opus, Empires of Dust, to an English-language audience. Christopher holds a PhD in Chinese literature from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, and he has spent more than a decade teaching at postsecondary institutions, most notably Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea, and The University of Manchester in the UK. In 2020 he took up a position at the University of Toronto, where he has continued to champion Chinese literature in the English-speaking world.

'A vast, sprawling and bewitching novel, full of memorable characters and wonderful set pieces.' - Alex Preston, The Observer'Among the most important Chinese works from recent years.' - Yan Lianke, The Paris Review'A monumental novel.' - Isabel Hilton, Financial Times'Unquestionably a masterpiece and ought to consolidate Jia Pingwa's reputation as a writer of international importance.' - Rónán Hession, The Irish Times'A novel spoken by the muse of memory but carved into shape by the fear of forgetting' - Jiwei Xiao, The Spectator