The Golden Lotus is a classic novel from China that has been translated into English by various publishers. This review will focus on the four-volume set published by Tuttle Classics and the three-volume set by THE GOLDEN LOTUS: A TRANSLATION FROM THE CHINESE ORIGINAL OF THE NOVEL CHIN P'ING MEI: VOLUMES II, III & IV. The Golden Lotus is a novel that tells the story of Jin Ping Mei and her adventures in ancient China. The book covers themes such as love, loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. It also explores the societal norms and expectations of women during this time period. One of the things that sets The Golden Lotus apart from other novels is its use of vivid descriptions to bring the story to life. The author paints a picture of the landscape, the customs, and the people in such detail that it feels like you are right there with Jin Ping Mei on her journey. The characters in The Golden Lotus are also well-developed and engaging. Jin Ping Mei is a strong and independent woman who refuses to be defined by societal expectations. She has multiple suitors, but ultimately chooses the one who truly loves her for who she is. Other characters such as the villainous Lady White Bone and the loyal servant Liang Ling are also well-rounded and add depth to the story. The translation of The Golden Lotus by Tuttle Classics is excellent. The translator has done a fantastic job of capturing the essence of the original text while making it accessible to an English audience. The use of footnotes and glossaries also helps readers understand any cultural references or terms that may be unfamiliar. The three-volume set by THE GOLDEN LOTUS: A TRANSLATION FROM THE CHINESE ORIGINAL OF THE NOVEL CHIN P'ING MEI: VOLUMES II, III & IV is also a great translation of the novel. The translator has done an excellent job of capturing the essence of the original text while making it accessible to an English audience. The use of footnotes and glossaries also helps readers understand any cultural references or terms that may be unfamiliar. One thing that sets this set apart from the Tuttle Classics set is its inclusion of additional material such as maps, genealogies, and illustrations. These additions provide more context to the story and help readers better understand the world in which Jin Ping Mei lives. Overall, The Golden Lotus is a classic novel that deserves its place among the great works of Chinese literature. Both the Tuttle Classics set and the three-volume set by THE GOLDEN LOTUS: A TRANSLATION FROM THE CHINESE ORIGINAL OF THE NOVEL CHIN P'ING MEI: VOLUMES II, III & IV are excellent translations of this timeless story.