Robert van Gulik

Robert van Gulik (1910-1967) was a Dutch diplomat, orientalist and author best known for his Judge Dee mystery novels, a series of detective stories set in Tang dynasty China. Van Gulik was a remarkable polymath — fluent in multiple Asian languages, an expert in Chinese art and culture, and a skilled calligrapher. His Judge Dee novels, inspired by an eighteenth-century Chinese detective novel, brilliantly blended authentic historical detail with engaging mystery plotting. His books and audiobooks continue to enchant readers and listeners with their unique combination of Eastern setting, classical mystery structure and deep cultural knowledge.