The Story of the Stone (or Dream of the Red Chamber), a Chinese novel by Cao Xueqin and continued by Gao E, tells of an amazing garden, of a young man's choice between two beautiful women, of his journey toward enlightenment, and of the moral and financial decline of a powerful family. Published in 1792, it depicts virtually every facet of life in eighteenth-century China--and has influenced culture in China ever since.

Part 1 of this volume, "Materials," provides information and resources that will help teachers and students begin and pursue their study of...