Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee

Robert van Gulik wrote The Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee, a collection of detective stories, and published them in 1949. van Gulik sets the stories in ancient China during the Tang Dynasty. The fictional character of Judge Dee may be based on a real person: Di Renjie. Di was known for his wisdom, intelligence, and strict adherence to the law. Robert van Gulik was in a Tokyo bookshop one day when he served as a diplomat from the Netherlands. The 17th-century book contained gong-an stories about Di Renjie. He went on to translate them, became a fan, and went on to write 18 of his own Judge Dee stories.

The stories revolve around Judge Dee's investigations into various criminal cases, each presenting a unique mystery to be solved. Throughout the book, Judge Dee encounters a wide range of crimes. Included in these tales are crimes of murder, theft, corruption, and conspiracy. He sets them against the backdrop of a vividly depicted historical and cultural setting.

As the stories unfold, Judge Dee uses his keen intellect and knowledge of human nature to solve each crime. He employs traditional Chinese investigation techniques, relying on evidence, witness testimonies, and deductive reasoning to solve cases and deliver justice.

The Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee not only serves as a collection of captivating detective stories. It also provides insight into the social, political, and cultural aspects of ancient China. The book offers a glimpse into the legal system, societal norms, and the role of the magistrate during that period.

Van Gulik's writing style combines elements of Chinese literature, historical fiction, and mystery genres. He incorporates elements of Chinese philosophy, folklore, and traditions into the stories, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.