The Ten Thousand Things: Winner of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction

In the final years of the Yuan Dynasty, Wang Meng is a minor bureaucrat and gifted artist who encounters fellow master painters, the White Tigress, and a young Buddhist monk. John Spurling's The Ten Thousand Things blends the epic and intimate, capturing the precision and depth of Wang Meng's art.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Duckworth Books

In the tumultuous final years of the Yuan Dynasty, Wang Meng finds himself a minor bureaucrat in the government of the Mongol conquerors. However, his true passion lies in the realm of art, where he possesses an extraordinary talent for capturing the immense beauty of China's natural landscapes. Despite the turbulent times, Wang cannot remain idle and embarks on a series of journeys across the vast empire. Along the way, he encounters fellow master painters, a fierce female warrior known as the White Tigress, who recruits him as a military strategist, and a humble young Buddhist monk who rises from poverty to extraordinary heights.

John Spurling's award-winning novel, "The Ten Thousand Things," masterfully blends the epic and the intimate, showcasing the same precision and depth that Wang Meng brought to his art. Through his vivid storytelling, Spurling brings to life the characters and landscapes of the Yuan Dynasty, creating a captivating and immersive experience for readers.

Wang Meng's journey is filled with challenges and obstacles, as he navigates the complex political landscape of the empire. He must confront his own doubts and fears, as well as the treachery and violence that surround him. But through his artistic vision and his determination to make a difference, Wang emerges as a hero, inspiring others to embrace their own talents and pursue their dreams.

"The Ten Thousand Things" is not only a tribute to the power of art but also to the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future, and that the greatest achievements can arise from the most unexpected places.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780715654941