初刻拍案驚奇故事（英文版）

《初刻拍案驚奇》是明末凌濛初編著的擬話本小說集，它同作者稍后刊行的《二刻拍案驚奇》一起合稱”二拍”，是中國古代重要的短篇小說集之一。 Er Pai refers to two collections of short stories，each containing 40 pieces. Its writer was Ling Mengchu. The stories of the book came from various sources and were refined and polished by the writer. In subject matter, the book sets its attack against the social evils and malpractices in the background of the social customs. Therefore，it relays a sharp and strong sense of social criticism. Many of the pieces of the book display brilliant characteristics of the time. Some of the stories about love and marriage advocate the concept of equality between men and women ; some depicting，from a positive point of view, the commercial activities of the townspeople of the Ming Dynasty reflect the merchantsˇ desire for profit making and building up wealth. The language of the stories is simple and natural，its narration lively and moving。