括異志

括異志 by Shizheng Zhang invites listeners into a ten-volume treasury of the strange, the sacred, and the socially revealing from Song-dynasty China. Part myths/legends, part anecdotal history, Kuòyìzhì stitches together ghostly encounters, miraculous healings, eccentric monks and officials, Daoist wonders, and the oddities of everyday life that circulated in literati circles. Compiled by a Song official and literatus, the collection preserves folklore, local lore, and short narratives that illuminate religious belief, bureaucratic culture, and vernacular expression of the 11th century. Each tale offers both entertainment and evidence: of how people explained misfortune, negotiated status, and used storytelling as moral and cultural commentary. The language of the entries—classical phrasing, colloquial turns, and literary references—also makes the work a rich resource for students of historical Chinese language and literary practice. Ideal for listeners who enjoy historical nonfiction, comparative mythology, and cultural history, this audiobook brings ancient curiosities to life with vivid storytelling and scholarly depth. Tune in for a unique audio journey through Song-era imagination and the living traditions behind China’s myths, legends, and linguistic heritage.