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Riprap and Cold Mountain Poems

gary snyder

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Forty-five years ago, Gary Snyder’s first book of poems, Riprap, was published by Origin Press in a beautiful paperbound edition stitched Japanese-style. Around that time Snyder published his translations of Chinese poet Han-Shan’s Cold Mountain Poems in the sixth issue of the “Evergreen Review.” Thus was launched one of the most remarkable literary careers of the last century. It is a great gift for all readers to now have this seminal collection back in print.

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1969

This edition

Format
80 pages, Paperback
Published
December 1, 2003 by Counterpoint
ISBN
9781593760151
ASIN
1593760159
Language
English

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About the author

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gary snyder

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Gary Snyder is an American poet, essayist, lecturer, and environmental activist. His early poetry has been associated with the Beat Generation and the San Francisco Renaissance and he has been described as the "poet laureate of Deep Ecology". Snyder is a winner of a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and the American Book Award. His work, in his various roles, reflects an immersion in both Buddhist spirituality and nature. He has translated literature into English from ancient Chinese and modern Japanese. For many years, Snyder was an academic at the University of California, Davis, and for a time served as a member of the California Arts Council.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 83 votes)
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83 reviews All reviews
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Emiliebryhni
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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In the misty mountains of western China, a world of mystery and beauty awaits.

The lofty peaks are often hidden behind a veil of clouds, as if guarding some ancient secret.

The forests that cover the slopes are home to a diverse range of wildlife, from rare birds to elusive mammals.

The air is fresh and invigorating, filled with the scent of pine and wildflowers.

As you漫步 along the winding paths, you can't help but be amazed by the natural wonders that surround you.

The sound of rushing water from the mountain streams adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

Here, time seems to stand still, and you can truly connect with nature on a deep level.

Whether you are an avid hiker or simply someone who loves to soak in the beauty of the outdoors, the misty mountains of western China have something for everyone.

Come and discover this hidden paradise for yourself and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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kadikaado
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I was on the bus traveling from Madrid to Granada.

As the bus moved along, I found myself completely engrossed in the journey. The scenery outside the window was constantly changing, from the bustling cityscapes of Madrid to the more rural and charming landscapes along the way.

I really enjoyed this topic of traveling by bus. It gave me a different perspective and allowed me to soak in the atmosphere of the places I was passing through.

I was so captivated that I already knew I wanted to come back and read more about similar experiences. There was something truly special about this mode of transportation and the stories it could bring.

I couldn't wait to explore more and see where else this kind of journey would take me.
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Magicfist
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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For poetry, you can't do much better than this.

Poetry is a unique form of artistic expression that has the power to touch our hearts and souls. It uses words in a creative and evocative way to convey emotions, ideas, and images.

This particular piece of poetry stands out for its beauty, simplicity, and profoundness. The words flow seamlessly, creating a rhythm and melody that is both captivating and enchanting.

Whether you are a poetry lover or just someone who appreciates good literature, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. It is a testament to the power of words and the magic of poetry.

So, if you are looking for a piece of poetry that will inspire you, move you, and make you think, look no further than this. It is truly a masterpiece that will be cherished for years to come.
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InfiniteEvil
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Riprap: tough, sturdy, sparse poetry like his East Asian influences. His works seem to carry the essence of the distant East Asian cultures, with a certain roughness and solidity that give them a unique charm.

I liked his translation of Cold Mountain better. It is as if through his words, I can catch a glimpse of the mysterious and secluded Cold Mountain.

The translation makes me long for that faraway place, to be the old man of the mountain. I imagine myself living in the tranquility of the mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of the world.

Riprap's poetry and translation have a power that transports the reader to another realm, a realm of beauty, simplicity, and profound thought. They make us look beyond the ordinary and discover the hidden treasures of the human spirit.

Whether it is the tough exterior of his poetry or the longing it evokes in us, Riprap's works have a lasting impact on those who encounter them.
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ghostcardinal
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The original article seems to be rather short and simple. Here is an expanded version:

Quite good!


This simple expression holds a certain charm. It can be used to describe a variety of things. For example, when we taste a delicious meal, we might say "It's quite good!" to express our satisfaction. Or when we see a beautiful scenery, we could also exclaim "This is quite good!" It implies a level of approval and enjoyment. It's not an overly enthusiastic or exaggerated praise, but rather a sincere acknowledgement of something being nice or pleasant.

Whether it's used in daily conversations, when giving feedback, or simply to express our feelings in the moment, "quite good" is a phrase that can convey a positive sentiment. It shows that we appreciate the quality or value of something, without going overboard. So, the next time you come across something that you think is nice, don't hesitate to say "quite good!" and let others know your opinion.

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liviz-library
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I'm currently re-reading Snyder's poetry in the Library America volume of his Collected Poems.

I have a profound familiarity with his first volume, which contains his translations of two dozen poems by the classical Chinese poet Han Shan (Cold Mountain).

It's truly remarkable how mature Snyder's poetic voice was from the very beginning. "Riprap" and "Piute Creek" quickly established themselves as significant touchstones of a kind of Beat poetry.

Although Snyder is associated with the movement more due to his friendships rather than his sensibility.

His lines from the outset were lean and precise, capturing moments of perception, often centered on the intricate web of relationships within the natural world.

However, he also turns his gaze to the people of northern California and Oregon, as seen in "Hay for Horses," and his work as a seaman in "T-2 Tanker Blues."

I've committed several of the poems from Riprap to memory and would love to share these lines with anyone who hasn't yet embarked on their journey into the realm of one of the truly essential American poets:

The world's like an endless

four-dimensional

Game of Go.

ants and pebbles

In the thin loam, each rock a word

a creek-washed stone

Granite, ingrained

with the torment of fire and weight

Crystal and sediment linked hot

all change, in thoughts

As well as things.
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TheFlashmaster
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The translations of Han Shan truly stand out as the gem within this collection.

They offer perfect and concise evocations of the unique mountain aestheticism.

On the other hand, Snyder's own works seem rather contrived.

They are somewhat of a hit or miss affair.

You'll likely like them only if you have a particular inclination, such as finding him sexy or having a great affinity for Ed Abbey or something along those lines.

It's as if Snyder's pieces lack the natural charm and authenticity that the translations of Han Shan possess.

Perhaps it's because Han Shan's words have been carefully translated to capture the essence of his original vision, while Snyder's works may be more influenced by his own personal style and biases.

Nonetheless, both have their place in the literary landscape, and it's up to the individual reader to decide which they prefer.

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WindWitchKagura
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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So much love,

especially for the boat poems and the Han-Shen translations.

The beauty and depth of these literary works never fail to amaze me.

The line "And here am I, high on mountains" evokes a sense of solitude and grandeur, as if the poet is standing at a vantage point, looking out over the vast landscape and reflecting on his place in the world.

It makes me think about the power of nature and how small we are in comparison.

And the statement "Time is like sparks knocked off flint" is such a profound observation.

It reminds us that time passes quickly and fleetingly, just like the sparks that fly off when flint is struck.

We should cherish every moment and make the most of our time on this earth.

These simple yet powerful words have the ability to touch our hearts and make us think about the deeper meaning of life.
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