four-classic-novels

Proper noun

the four works of Chinese literature most highly-regarded in Chinese literary criticism: the Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, the Water Margin by Shi Nai'an, the Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en, and the Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin

Usage notes

Not to be confused with the Four Books or the Five Classics, two separate lists of ancient Chinese Confucian classics.

Origin

From Mandarin Chinese 四大名著 (Sìdàmíngzhù, "Four Big Famous Works")

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