"The anonymous compiler of Records of the Three Kingdoms in Plain Language did not attempt to include all of the rich tapestry of narratives then available on the events of the Three Kingdoms era. Compared to the later Romance of the Three Kingdoms , it is significantly shorter . action and dialogue are prioritized over description, creating a narrative that is fast-paced and easy to read. "As with their earlier works, West and Idema skillfully navigate the tensions inherent in literary translation. The text succeeds in the difficult task of sticking close to the linguistic contours of the original text while producing a readable and enjoyable English rendering. "Plentiful notes explain historical and cultural references, anachronisms and historical inaccuracies, and discuss translation choices and their rationale. More supporting information is provided in the in-depth introduction to the history and legend of the Three Kingdoms era, the plain tale form in general, and this work in particular, while the thorough bibliography in English and Chinese is a valuable resource for research on the topic. The rigorous approach to the translation further contributes to its value as a resource.

" Overall, this is a welcome and high quality addition to the existing English translations of early Chinese narrative literature , and a fantastic resource for research on both the Three Kingdoms story cycle and the plain tale form." --Ewan MacDonald, University of London, in Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies.