A dream of red mansions (3 volumes).

Written in the latter half of the 18th century, A Dream of Red Mansions, is arguably the greatest of Chinese classical novels. A true literary masterpiece, this beautiful novel chronicles the life of a large feudal family and its declining fortunes. As the reader learns about the enchanting gardens and palatial pleasure pavilions of the privileged few, he soon realizes these refinements hide the reality of decay and hypocrisy running rampant under the surface of society. In the context of a love story, the author probes into the characters' minds, exposing the decadence of the ruling class and the failures and cruelty of the feudal system. A fascinating read, A Dream of Red Mansions provides wonderful insights into 18th century Chinese society.