Five T'Ang Poets by david young

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

April 17,2025

An assortment of poems from the T'ang dynasty, including verse from Tu Fu and Li Ho, two of the most celebrated poets in Chinese history. These translations are among the most beautiful and deeply-felt translations from Chinese that I've ever read, and this slender volume makes a superb introduction or digression into one of the great golden ages of literature the world has known. Very highly recommended.

0 0 Reply

flrytr

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

April 17,2025

Unfortunately the author ends with the weaker poets, in my estimation, or perhaps they are excellent in the Chinese but not really accessible in translation. Of course, this is very subjective, and for others this might be a very appropriate or exciting way to end this volume. For me it was a bit of a let down.

0 0 Reply

arsonal

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

April 17,2025

This selection from the work of some of the greatest Chinese poets both helped introduce me to this grand tradition and gave me a set of general principals for poetry translations. It certainly helped the development of my own style and voice, and underlined the importance of community to the art and well-being of the individual poet.

And did i mention the quality of these poems? David Young, the translator, has done a remarkable job with his material.

0 0 Reply

BreezyDizasta

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

April 17,2025

What a relief! I'm glad to see I've been wrong. Poems are enjoyable and these written by Tu Fu turned out my favourite. I may not be interested much in descriptions of nature's beauty, but I appreciate translator's effort.

Still, I will never be able to get rid of the image of Li Bai as a drunken master, who during a serious hangover, grabs a pen and write a masterpiece to the chagrin of people present. As well the funny, apocryphal story of his nearly drowning because in a drunken stupor he tried to embrace the Moon. Bohemian man in every way.

0 0 Reply