Classical Chinese Poetry: An Anthology

Love this book.

Let me say right off the bat that I am not much of a poetry afficionado but I have been a student of chinese philosophy for a long time. There is an argument to be made that many Chinese classical texts are written in a poetic style. Indeed, Ihave argued that myself. Poetry, like music and art, has the abilty to convey more than the sum of its words, notes or pictures. Through the artistic arrangement of words, images and white space memorable and meaningful pieces can be produced, whether with poetry, music or art. It is with this understanding that I heartily recommend this anthology. This book is filled with such memorable and meaningful passages as to defy imagination. I keep this by my bedside to read before turning outthe lights. Whether you like chinese philospohy or are a poet at heart you will be able to find this book a great read.

Anthologies are often collections with no particular coherence except by geography or "best of." David Hinton's collection is more than just "Chinese Poetry." It is a tour through the cultural and social history of China from pre-christian times to the modern day. Much of the poetry was influenced by Buddhist teaching, but there is also folk music, poetry from women, poems by civil servants, and often, the reflection of the tragic, horrific wars and other conflicts which beset China. These were so compelling I ended up wanting to know more about Chinese history. These poems will both enchant you and soften your heart, taking you through a world that is remote from our western one, but also immediately accessible through these beautifully translated works. Any lover of poetry will find this a valuable acquisition.

I really wanted to get a good, panoptic view of premodern Chinese poetry, and this book delivered. You begin with the earliest poems, and Hinton guides you quickly through the next 1.5 millenia of excellence. Every poet has a short biographical and stylistic introduction. Their importance to the overall poetic tradition is explored, and there is a feeling of continuity throughout his brief introductions that fans of poetry and history will certainly appreciate. It's very informative, the scope is epic, and he ultimately succeeds in narrating the development of one of the world's greatest poetic traditions. I have to detract a star due to the translations. All the poems are written in unrhymed couplets. The effect is a feeling of artificiality, and at times, the individual poets' styles seem to blur together. These translations also feel comparatively anglicized, especially early on, where the verse is suspiciously alliterative. As a book that takes you on a journey—not only from place to place, but—through time and through many, many individual perspectives, this is a must-have. Although I felt compelled to drop a star for the sometimes lackluster read on the poems, i couldnt recommend it enough for learners. I look forward to exploring the poets i discovered here, first, in more depth with other translators. And, push come to shove, i would definitely buy anither Hinton translation for my areas of interest in Chinese Poetry and Philosophy

David Hinton's incredible introductions and analyses of these great poets is enlightening and inspiring. One of the most joyful reading experiences of my life. A must-have to any book lover's collection.

David Hinton is thoroughly knowledgable in this area and provides one of the definitive works on classical Chinese poetry. The historical notes - the cultural backdrop against which these poems - provide fascinating insights, as do the brief biographies on the poets. We read a lot of poetry; this is one of our favorite books.

This book has some beautiful poetry and was a delightful read.

This book has been a real pleasure. I am new to Chinese poetry (and pretty much everything else Chinese). "Classical Chinese Poetry" has been very helpful in introducing me to the long and sweeping history of their poetry with essays on the major periods as well as each of the poets. I purchased this book after having checked out a copy from my public library because I wanted to be always available. I am not knowledgeable about the nuances of translation, but these poems sound true to me. (I have also read and continue to value translations by Red Pine.) I have by now read many of David Hinton's translations as well as his deeply moving books, "Existence" and "Hunger Mountain," which I also highly recommend.

To really enjoy this book you have to have read Hintons book on translating Chinese. Then his work becomes really magical, as he leads you through the centuries of Chinese poesy. A book to keep beside you as the computer warms up, but then it is hard to put down. Food for contemplation and thought. Enjoy these landscapes.

This is a beautiful collection, covering all the main classical poets, with succinct introductions to each period and poet and a good set of notes, plus an introduction to the key philosophical concepts that come up in the poems. A fascinating insight into a cultural history and aesthetic different from my own. Rivers and mountains, family and love, the impact of war, daily labour and government, the night sky, the seasons, wildlife, friends, it's all there.

Poetry is an artform. Translated poetry is a derivative artform, especially translated Classical Chinese poetry. The translator must extract the meaning and emotion from each chinese character without necessarily distorting it into English rhyme and rhythm. I bought this book to compare with other translators' work. Hinton has succeeded as well as any of the others for most of these poems, yet he presents all poems in couplets, when the originals were often as stanzas of four or more lines. As a student of Chinese I would have preferred to see the original texts alongside each translation, but I can understand that this book was aimed at English readers. Even if you don't like the poetry this book is worth the price for the historical essays and maps of each period, and the biographies of the major poets.

a joy to lovers of poetry, i would think, at least it is to us. the moments in nature, the isolation, the emotion, the growing old, the hunger, the loss, the mountain inspired awe. in one poem the poet basically says, well i will not worry about anything, i will just go down to the cascading creek. these poems say it over and over... humanity do not lose what is essential, do not throw it away, do not allow it to be stolen. wake up, humanity, do not be enslaved. from a thousand and more years ago.

Good translations. Well designed and sturdily produced paperback. It compares well with the Waley translations and clearly superior to Ezra Pound's free versions.