The Story of the Stone [Hardcover]

Barry Hughart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1988

Set in a mythical, medieval China where folklore and history are indistinguishable, a dead monk, an ancientand now missingmanuscript, and a ghostly murderer entice the venerable Master Li and his faithful companion Number Ten Ox into the Valley of Sorrows for a deadly and uproarious confrontation with the long-dead Laughing Prince. 

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Set in a mythical, medieval China where folklore and history are indistinguishable, a dead monk, an ancientand now missingmanuscript, and a ghostly murderer entice the venerable Master Li and his faithful companion Number Ten Ox into the Valley of Sorrows for a deadlyand uproariousconfrontation with the long-dead Laughing Prince. This sequel to Bridge of Birds (Del Rey, 1985) reaffirms Hughart's gift for comic fantasy as well as his talent for ingenious storytelling. JC
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 236 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1st edition (May 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385246366
• ISBN-13: 978-0385246361
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #686,496 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Master Li and Number Tex Ox do it again!, March 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Story of the Stone (Hardcover)

I am Barry Hughart's number one fan.

With that said, I recommend this book without reservation. In fact, any book involving Hughart's alter-ego, Master Li, and Hughart's young hero, Number Ten Ox, would be high on my "must read" list.

I just re-read this tale of a mad prince and his array of fascinating characters and was just as enchanted and entertained as I was the first time I read it in ten years ago.

If you're looking for a wonder-filled story with character that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, read this book!

You can also do yourself a huge favor by purchasing "Bridge of Birds" and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen," the only other Master Li/Number Ten Ox adventures. "Bridge of Birds" was Hughart's first effort and the book introduces the reader to Master Li...the most interesting character is all of fiction.....

After all, how can you NOT love someone who introduces himself by saying:

"My surname isLi and my personal name is Kao, and there is a slight flaw in my character"?

The people at amazon.com are masters at locating the "difficult to find" books on their site. Order this book....and then, read and enjoy!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great!, July 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Story of the Stone (Hardcover)

i read this book many, many years ago when i was a kid--found it at the public library and have read it twice since then. this book is a true adventure and the author does a wonderful job of painting both character and setting. i just found out he's written other novels and can't wait to pick them up. it's been about 10 years since the first time i read this work, and i still find it as enchanting as i first did.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, January 20, 2003

By 

D. Baer (Mesa, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Story of the Stone (Hardcover)

I discovered this book as part of one of those book club deals several years ago -- you know the kind that send you books and charge you if you don't return them by a certain date. In this case, it was a blessing. I enjoyed the characters, the locations, the colors and the twists that unfolded in the story. If you can find it, it's definitely a must-read.

Since then, I've collected the only other books that I know this author has produced: "Bridge of Birds" and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen". They are as enjoyable as this one.