This anthology presents a comprehensive collection of works by the acclaimed yet underrepresented Korean writer Ch'ae Manshik. The reader offers a diverse range of genres, including a novella, short fiction, anecdotal essays, travel writing, children's stories, and plays, drawing from Ch'ae's ten-volume Complete Works to provide a well-rounded view of his innovative voice. The collection aims to move beyond typical selections to showcase the breadth of his literary contributions, reflecting Korea's rich tradition of intertextuality and intermediality from early times to the new millennium. An extensive introduction contextualizes Ch'ae's career and the limitations of previous critical approaches to his work.

This collection is notable for being the first English-language anthology of Ch'ae Manshik's works, addressing the challenges posed by his distinctive voice and colloquial style. The selection aims for a comprehensive representation, moving beyond standard 'representative works' to offer a full spectrum of his writing. The inclusion of diverse genres like plays and essays alongside fiction highlights his versatility. The accompanying introduction provides critical context for both his career and the broader Korean literary tradition.