Kai Lung's Golden Hours

Kai Lung's Golden Hours is a book by Ernest Bramah, first published in 1922. This classic of 20th-century fantasy and humorous fiction serves as the second installment in the Kai Lung series featuring the wandering storyteller. The narrative follows the ingenious Kai Lung as he is brought before the court of the corrupt and prejudiced Mandarin Shan Tien, accused of various crimes by his persistent rival, the malicious Ming-shu. To delay his sentence and outwit his captors, the protagonist employs a strategy reminiscent of Scheherazade, weaving a sequence of captivating, interconnected tales that charm the court and expose the absurdities of the bureaucratic system. Bramah’s writing is celebrated for its unique, highly stylized "Orientalist" satire, characterized by elaborate politeness and mock-philosophical aphorisms that remain a hallmark of his literary legacy.

Set against a backdrop of a mythic, ancient China, the collection blends traditional folklore with sharp social commentary. Readers seeking vintage satire and clever wordplay will find themselves immersed in a world where wit is the ultimate weapon against injustice. As the protagonist navigates the perils of the legal system through his mastery of the oral tradition, the book explores themes of perseverance and the transformative power of narrative. Whether you are a fan of Edwardian literature or looking for a precursor to modern high-fantasy humor, Kai Lung's Golden Hours remains an essential and enchanting masterpiece of English prose.