Luo Guanzhong facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Luo Guanzhong
Born	1330  Taiyuan (Yuan dynasty)
Died	c. 1400
Occupation	Writer

Luo Guanzhong was a famous Chinese writer who lived a long time ago, during the Ming dynasty. He was born around 1330 and passed away around 1400. His real name was Luo Ben, but he is best known by his courtesy name, Guanzhong. He also used a pen name, Huhai Sanren, which means "Leisure Man of Lakes and Seas."

Luo Guanzhong is most famous for writing Romance of the Three Kingdoms. This book is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It's a very important story in China's history and culture.

About Luo Guanzhong's Life

It's a bit tricky to know exactly where and when Luo Guanzhong was born. Some people think he was from Taiyuan, a city in China. They believe he lived during the end of the Yuan dynasty and the start of the Ming dynasty. This idea comes from a writer named Jia Zhongming, who said he met Luo in 1364.

However, other people think he was born in Dongping County in the Shandong province. They suggest he lived earlier, perhaps from about 1280 to 1360. Some historians even suggest other possible hometowns, like Hangzhou.

There's also some debate about his birth year. Some recent studies suggest he was born between 1315 and 1318. But other sources say it was closer to 1330. It seems there might have been two different people named Luo Guanzhong living at that time! One was a drama artist from Taiyuan, and the other was the novel writer from Dongping.

What Did Luo Guanzhong Write?

Luo Guanzhong is famous for several important books. His most well-known work is Romance of the Three Kingdoms. This novel tells an exciting story about a period in Chinese history when three kingdoms were fighting for power.

He also played a big part in shaping another famous novel called Water Margin. Many different storytellers created the tales in Water Margin over time. Another writer, Shi Nai'an, is thought to have first put these stories together. Then, Luo Guanzhong helped arrange them into the 100-chapter version we know today.

Luo Guanzhong is also linked to The Three Sui Quash the Demons' Revolt. This is a fantasy story that started as short tales about a rebellion. It was later made longer by another writer, Feng Menglong. Another work attributed to him is Can Tang Wudai Shi Yanzhuan. This book tells the story of the end of the Tang dynasty and the time that followed.

Images for kids

See also

In Spanish: Luo Guanzhong para niños

• Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the famous book he wrote
• Records of the Three Kingdoms, the historical source that inspired his novel
• Chen Shou, the writer of the Records of the Three Kingdoms