Li Yu (author)

Li Yu (李漁, 1610 – 1680) was born in the Kiangsu province of China in 1610. He is the author of The Carnal Prayer Mat, a well crafted comedy and a classic of Chinese erotic literature. He also wrote a book of short stories called Twelve Towers (Shiherh-lou). In his time he was widely read, and appreciated for his daringly innovative subject matter.

In this work he broaches the topic of same-sex love in the tale House of Gathered Refinements (Cuiya Lou). This is a theme which he revisits in the collection Silent Operas (Wusheng Xi Xiaoshuo.) In that collection, the story (approximately titled) A male Mencius' mother educates his son and moves house three times (Nan Mengmu Jiaohe Sanqian) presents a view of the Fujianese homosexual customs, presented here as nanfeng, a play on words signifying both male colors (an euphemism for male love) and southern wind, a metaphor for the province of Fujian in the south of China, noted for the popularity of same-sex relationships.

Li Yu was an actor, producer, and directer who traveled with his own troupe. He died in 1680.

Translation and Critique

• Tower for the Summer Heat,Li Yu; Translation, preface, and notes by Patrick Hanan,Columbia University Press,1998 ISBN 0–231–11384–6.

《夏宜楼》 A Tower for the Summer Heat 《归正楼》Return-to-Right Hall 《萃雅楼》House of Gathered Refinements 《拂云楼》The Cloud-Scraper 《鹤归楼》Homing Crane Lodge 《生我楼》Nativity Room

• Li Yu: Twelve Towers: Short Stories, Tr.Mao, Nathan K. Hong Kong Chinese University Press. 1979 ISBN 9622011705
• THE CARNAL PRAYER MAT，Li Yu (translated by Patrick Hanan),University of Hawaii Press 1996 ISBN: 0824817982
• Li Yü: Jou pu tuan, Franz Kuhn, Zürich 1959
• Tower for the Summer Heat,Li Yu; Translation, preface, and notes by Patrick Hanan,Columbia University Press,1998 ISBN 0–231–11384–6.
• Li Yu: Twelve Towers: Short Stories, Tr.Mao, Nathan K. Hong Kong Chinese University Press. 1979 ISBN 9622011705
• Les carnets secrets de Li Yu, un art du bonheur en Chine, PHILIPPE PICQUIER, Edité par Jacques Dars, 2004 ISBN 2–87730–664-X
• Li Yu: À mari jaloux, femme fidèle,par Pascale Frey 1998
• Patrick Hanan: The Invention of Li Yu. Harvard edition 1988, ISBN 0–674–46425–7
• LI‑YU « Jeou-P'ou-T'ouan, la chair comme tapis de prière », traduit par Pierre Klossowski;Éditions Jean-Jacques Pauvert, Paris, 1979,

• Andrea Stocken: Das Ästhetikkonzept des Li Yu (1610 –1680) im Xianqing ouji im Zusammenhang von Leben und Werk. 2005 ISBN 3–447–05120–5
• HENRY, Eric:Chinese Amusement – The Lively Plays of Li Yü.Archon Books Hamden, CT 1980
• Воскресенский Д.Н. Ли Юй. Полуночник Вэйян или подстилка из плоти. (пер. с кит., предисл., коммент.) М., Гудьял-Пресс
• Воскресенский Д.Н. Ли Юй. Двенадцать башен (повести XVII в.). (пер. с кит., предисл., коммент.) М., Гудьял-Пресс