Selected Works of Xu Zhimo

Author: Xu Zuohua (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: March 1, 2003
Features: A selection of works by modern literary masters. Xu Zhimo's fame and recognition stem from his poetry. Xu Zhimo's poetic creation can be divided into two periods: before 1925 as the early period, and after as the later period. The early poems are primarily collected in Poems by Xu Zhimo, while the later poems are mainly found in A Night in Florence and The Tiger's Whiskers. Although the poetry from these two periods differs in ideological tendencies, emotional connotations, and stylistic pursuits, they are consistent in overall direction, especially in poetic flavor, poetic interest, poetic beauty, and discourse style. This book includes dozens of his most representative poems. These works, like his thoughts and life, are both rich and diverse, often revealing contradictions, yet relatively simple and consistently embodying a childlike romance. In Xu Zhimo's literary creation, his essays, letters, and diaries are also outstanding. All of these are included in this book, making it an invaluable collection of Xu Zhimo's works.
Xu Zhimo's fame and recognition stem from his poetry. Xu Zhimo's poetic creation can be divided into two periods: before 1925 as the early period, and after as the later period. The early poems are primarily collected in Poems by Xu Zhimo, while the later poems are mainly found in A Night in Florence and The Tiger's Whiskers. The poetry from these two periods, though differing in ideological tendencies, emotional connotations, and stylistic pursuits, remains consistent in overall direction, especially in poetic flavor, poetic interest, poetic beauty, and discourse style. In Xu Zhimo's poetry, it is difficult to find two poems that are identical in artistic form. This is because his poetic forms are ever-changing, particularly in those that primarily express his spirit. Similarly, in Xu Zhimo's poetry, it is also rare to find two poems that are identical in diction, sentence construction, tone, imagery, or technique. This is because he was an exceptional poet who could be called a "master of technique," always tirelessly pursuing novelty and creativity.
In Xu Zhimo's literary creation, his essays are also outstanding. Mr. Yang Zhensheng once wrote in The Last Farewell to Xu Zhimo: "His 'wild horse-running' essays, I have long believed, are even better than his poems. The words are so vivid and lively! The colors are truly 'thick enough to dissolve into liquid'! The richness of his associations, the abundance of his vitality! Especially his attitude and tone—so light, playful, and clever! And his energy is truly great, never showing laziness in his writing; it’s always like the rolling layers of summer clouds or the gurgling flow of spring springs! His essays indeed have a unique style and must hold a place in the world of prose. Compared to poetry, his genius is even more unrestrained in prose because it lacks the constraints of form." Mr. Yang Zhensheng's remarks have captured the essence and significance of Xu Zhimo's essays. In fact, Xu Zhimo's essays truly possess a unique quality. In his essays, Xu Zhimo not only fully displays the talent he demonstrated in his poetry but also infuses his poetic thoughts and emotions into his prose, creating a flowing and crisp style that stands alone in modern Chinese prose.
Xu Zhimo's letters and diaries are also beautiful prose. This book includes dozens of his most representative poems, which, like his thoughts and life, are both rich and diverse, often revealing contradictions, yet relatively simple and consistently embodying a childlike romance. In Xu Zhimo's literary creation, his essays, letters, and diaries are also outstanding. All of these are included in this book, making it an invaluable collection of Xu Zhimo's works.