This is an example of “Chrita Dulu Kala” which is loosely translated as “stories from ancient times”. They were usually storybooks of the traditional Chinese classics that were translated from Chinese to Baba Malay. These tales of Chinese folklore, legends and historical epics include famous novels such as “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and “Water Margin”. Although most of these works appeared in paperback form, it was possible that a few volumes could be combined to form a specially bound copy, such as this one. “Chrita Dulu Kala” were traditionally read by Peranakan men. Many elderly Peranakan ladies today remember being told stories from these books by their fathers, uncles and grandfathers. Many of the Chinese traditions of the Peranakan Chinese are believed to have been transmitted via these storybooks. This book is the 12th volume of the series entitled “Hong Sin Ban Sian Tin”.
