Description
Discover the profound poetry of Liu Tsung-yuan in 'Written in Exile', a captivating collection that unveils the essence of T’ang dynasty literature. This trade paperback edition, published by Copper Canyon Press in 2020, offers readers an intimate look into the life of one of China’s greatest prose writers, who was unjustly overshadowed as a poet. After facing political turmoil and banishment to the southern regions of China, Liu channeled his feelings of estrangement into deeply moving verse. Despite his immense talent, this monumental figure of Chinese literary history remains largely unknown in the West, with only a handful of his poems translated into English until now.
Renowned translator Red Pine has meticulously brought Liu’s voice to life, translating 140 of the 146 poems attributed to him. Readers will find themselves immersed in the rich themes of exile, identity, and the human experience that resonate throughout Liu’s work. The volume features detailed notes, a comprehensive introduction, and the original Chinese texts, making it an essential acquisition for poetry lovers, scholars, and those passionate about Chinese literature. 'Written in Exile' is a long-overdue introduction to a legendary T’ang poet, highlighting the intersection of personal and political strife through the lens of exquisite poetry. Experience the transformative power of Liu Tsung-yuan’s words and discover why he deserves a prestigious place in the world of literature.
Renowned translator Red Pine has meticulously brought Liu’s voice to life, translating 140 of the 146 poems attributed to him. Readers will find themselves immersed in the rich themes of exile, identity, and the human experience that resonate throughout Liu’s work. The volume features detailed notes, a comprehensive introduction, and the original Chinese texts, making it an essential acquisition for poetry lovers, scholars, and those passionate about Chinese literature. 'Written in Exile' is a long-overdue introduction to a legendary T’ang poet, highlighting the intersection of personal and political strife through the lens of exquisite poetry. Experience the transformative power of Liu Tsung-yuan’s words and discover why he deserves a prestigious place in the world of literature.