Masterpieces of the Orient is a companion volume to World Masterpieces, edited by Maynard Mack. Its editorial principles are in the spirit of the original anthology. Imaginative literature is emphasized, though with the literatures of both the Near and the Far East it is difficult to make the distinction between intellectual writing (especially when is concerned with philosophy or religion) and belleslettres. A considerable range of literary types is included. all of the selections have something to say to the modern Western reader; some major Oriental works that seem to the editor to have less to say to the Western reader have been ommited. The problem of selection has been extremely difficult: five vast literatures are included in this collection.(From the preface)