A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems

This splendid collection of Chinese poetry, accompanied by delightful introductory and descriptive essays, spans more than 1000 years. It brings to life the timeless poetry of many of the well known Chinese poets that have lived throughout the ages. Arthur Waley is the most famous Sinologist who has done most in bringing Chinese poetry to the fore of Western public. Hence, no matter what, Waley's historical importance cannot be overestimated. And he is a competent all-round translator too, as this fine anthology demonstrates, one who has an uncanny ear of transforming Chinese rhythms and rhymes into naturalized English metrics. First published in 1919, this is the book that first alerted the West to the richness and variety of Chinese literature. Arthur Waley (1889-1966), a shy reclusive scholar, was one of the earliest champions of Asian literature in the English-speaking world. A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems has often been cited as an outstanding source for those who enjoy Chinese Poetry.