Tang and Song Ci Criticism and Translation

Author: Yang Hongru
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Ci poetry is a unique literary form in Chinese classical poetry and a rare gem in the vast garden of Chinese literary arts. It originated in the Sui Dynasty. Similar to the Book of Songs, the Chuci, and the Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties Yuefu, its formation was closely tied to music. This special poetic medium flourished in the Tang Dynasty and reached its peak of perfection in the Song Dynasty. Li Qingzhao, a female poet who lived between the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties, was a representative figure of the lyrical school following Qin Guan. Her poetry is sincere and delicate, embodying both lyrical grace and bold emotions. This book translates and analyzes 73 Tang and Song Dynasty Ci poets, totaling 171 poems. Among them, 25 poets from the Tang and Five Dynasties periods are included, with 68 poems. The selection and analysis of these poems focus on both the rich and diverse ideological content of Tang and Song Ci poetry and its various styles and schools, ensuring representative significance. To facilitate readers' appreciation, the 171 poems are divided into several sections: original poem correction, author biographies, annotations, translations (not adaptations, but modern Chinese lyrical poems), and analytical reviews. For some allusions and historical facts in the original poems, detailed is avoided, with only concise explanations and descriptions provided to make the content accessible and easy to understand, aiming for a balance between sophistication and simplicity, suitable for all ages.