Hi all,
I am new to this forum.
My reason for studying Chinese History is simply that I find it fascinating.
I am sorry, but I do not speak or read Chinese.
I have studies some broad surveys of Chinese history and wish to go back and read about certain interesting episodes in more detail.

I was very struck by the Story (Legend?) of Liu Bang.
One story I heard is that he started as a jailor in the Qin dynasty:
When misfortune made him late for delivering some prisoners he decided to become an outlaw to the Qin rather than face their infamous draconian punishment. And his initial group of followers were prisoners that he was delivering.
I found an earlier book from the 1960, but I am a little confused, I believe he is referred to as Kao-tsu.
I think I am being thrown off by both a different name for the same person and a change in transliteration.

So I thought I would throw out a question to this forum.
I am looking for suggestions on interesting books, articles or documentaries on Liu Bang.
Plus any interesting posts on whether these stories are historically accurate or legend.
Again, I do not read Chinese, but I am a patient and studious reader.

I look forward to any replies,
Shi Dikai

For biography on Liu Bang, refer to
http://www.chinahistoryforum.com/index.php?showtopic=20302

Oh hi and welcome to this forum Shi Dikai . Hope you will have a great time here!

Information about Liu Bang? Me? Hahas. I don't think the story of Liu Bang was a legend, rather, it was real and true. Liu Bang wasn't a jailer, but rather, he was a small patrol official in Pei County, working under the magistrate of Pei County.

The title Gaozu (Hanyu Pinyin), or Kao-tsu (Wade-Giles), was his temple name. Every emperor has his/her own temple name. However, Liu Bang didn't really start off with the name "Liu Bang", he was known as Liu Ji when he ws first born. He changed his name to "Bang" when he became the emperor as the chinese character "Bang" meant country. Although Liu Ji was his given name, he was more popularly known as Liu Bang. Liu Ji remained his courtesy name.

Note: Regarding the link which General_Zhaoyun recommended above, http://www.chinahistoryforum.com/index.php?showtopic=20302, there were some accuracies in it when I wrote the articles, so be sure to look out for the corrections made by kingswonder sir at the end of the whole thread (I haven't corrected nor modified my articles yet, except for those made in the front or middle). If you are not so sure about anything that I wrote on the thread or have any other questions, I would be glad to answer your queries.

There's also a thread about Liu Bang here http://www.chinahistoryforum.com/index.php?showtopic=157.

I am glad that you have an interest in the historical figure that I adore

Enjoy your stay in CHF here!