When the Liao-Zhai-Zhi-Yi is mention one can not help getting the creeps thinking of the spooky world described in this book. Actually it is only on the surface that these stories concern ghost and goblins. In fact the author was making use of a world of spirits to reflect some social phenomena of his time. 

The author who Pu Song-ling 1640 -1715 was born into a merchant family from his childhood he pursued fame and fortune with fervor. But he repeatedly failed to pass the civil exam in the nation and therefore never had the opportunity to pursue an official career. Except for a short period, which he worked as a secretary, Pu Song-ling spent his whole life in his hometown teaching and living a simple life. 

His failures in the examination and his moodiest lifestyle made it possible for Pu Song-ling to understand the common people of china. For this reason the Liao-Zhai-Zhi-Yi not only describes his own personal disappointments but also illuminates some broader society that he lived in. 

For instance in one story entitled "dreaming of wolf" and old man dreams that his son who is an official is a man-eating tiger. The other officials are ferocious beasts and the courtyard of the government building is piled high with human bones. This horrible spectacle reveals the intent to which the official of the time harmed the common people. 

In another story a crow of scholars who failed a civil examination crowed the courtyard of the prince of hell. The members of the crowd catch the examination administrator and leader of the examination papers and in the fury plan to dig out their eyeballs. This story expresses some of Pu Song-ling discontentment and resentment of the cheating and the conspiracy of the examination system. 

The Liao-Zhai-Zhi-Yi also includes many romantic stories about love and marriage. These stories praise young men and women who struggle to break through the bonds of tradition and make their own marriage choices. 

Over all the Liao-Zhai-Zhi-Yi is a very interesting collection of stories. In addition to the appeal of the ghost tales this collections also offers us a glimpse into the time of this author Pu Song-ling.