Like Reviewer semkirk I own all three of the books, but in paperback: I bought each as it was published. I too had hoped for more stories of Master Li and Number Ten Ox, but a look at Barry Hughart’s entry in Wikipedia dashed my hopes. Wikipedia quotes Hughart writing as follows:
“Will there be more? I doubt it, and it’s not because of bad sales and worse publishers. It’s simply that I’d taken it as far as I could. ... [N]o matter how well I wrote I’d just be repeating myself.”
So there we are. I console myself with the thought that I can reread the three books – and a first-class piece of fanfiction – about a China that never was.
Speaking of that special view of China, have you encountered the Kai Lung books of Ernest Bramah? They were published from 1900 to 1940, and they present humour of the highest order. All are still in print. I would guess that crossovers of Kai Lung with Buffy or other fanverses could work very nicely.
Review By [Jazzibear] • Date [12 Aug 12] • Not Rated
Thank you. Barry Hughart has always been one of my favourite authors and anything that gets more people to read his work must be applauded.
Aspiring authors should read his history and take note. Do not expect publishers to know what they are doing. Make sure you are involved with the process. We lost a great author due to their incompetence.
Review By [lostandthedamned] • Date [12 Aug 12] • Rating [10 out of 10]
Nicely done! I have all three books in hardcover and they are among my favorites. Nice homage, now let's hope Mr. Hughart sees this and is inspired to write volumes 4-10, as originally planned!
Again, great job. Now can you finish your X/F story, "What happens in Vegas..."?
:-)
Review By [semkirk] • Date [11 Aug 12] • Rating [10 out of 10]
Jewel