300 Song Lyrics

Author: Zhu Xiaocang, selected and annotated by Li Bingxun / newly compiled
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2001-09-01
Features: This book collects three hundred representative works of famous Song Dynasty ci poets, including works by Ouyang Xiu, Liu Yong, Wang Anshi, Su Shi, and others. Each piece is followed by detailed annotations, which greatly help readers improve their appreciation and reading skills of Song ci. Three Hundred Songs of the Song Dynasty has already had multiple annotated (translated) editions, playing a significant role in helping readers understand the original works. To assist readers, especially general readers, in better and more easily comprehending the original works, we have newly compiled this annotated and translated edition. It has the following three features:
First, the annotations are concise and accessible, avoiding excessive references. Each annotation for a ci poem briefly indicates its main idea and artistic characteristics.
Second, the translations use modern Chinese prose, combining literal and interpretive translation to fully leverage the advantages of prose. They aim to convey the original meaning clearly while not being the literal text. Efforts are made to express the subtle nuances ("") in an easy-to-understand manner.
Third, for ambiguous or controversial interpretations, different viewpoints are referenced, and careful comparative research is conducted. Whenever possible, stable interpretations are adopted, or new insights are presented through annotations and translations. The goal is to be objective and responsible to the readers.