Sword and Scroll: Three Centuries of Chinese Martial Arts Fiction

The Chinese literary genre of wuxia 武俠 (martial arts fiction) poses an enduring challenge for translators, as no single English term captures the essence of the xiake 俠客 — the Chinese martial arts hero. The xiake is defined less by extraordinary physical power and more by a commitment to justice and individual freedom, often prioritizing moral action over societal law and hierarchy. Rooted in ancient texts, the moral codes and martial skills of the xiake have fascinated generations of readers. The genre remains the most widely read form of popular literature and has inspired contemporary Kung Fu films and xiuxian 修仙 (cultivation) novels.

This Third Thursday, join the Asia Library staff to explore three centuries of the rich wuxia tradition, from its flourishing in the mid-Qing dynasty to the 21st century. On display are representative literary works—both translations and Chinese originals—tracing the development of the genre, alongside academic scholarship on its historical context, narrative aesthetics, and cultural impact. We would also like to share the legacy of these stories through adapted films, DVDs, and comic works that capture the collective memories of wuxia across generations of readers.

Third Thursdays at the Library is a themed monthly open house where we share materials from our collections. While you’re here, pick up a passport and collect a stamp from each of this month's Third Thursday locations — Asia Library, Clark Library, International Studies, and the Special Collections Research Center — to win a prize!