Selected Poems of Li Qingzhao

Author: Zhuge Yibing, Editor
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Li Qingzhao is a rare genius among female writers in the history of Chinese literature. Her ci (a classical Chinese poetic form) is cleverly crafted with fresh and elegant verses, widely recognized as masterful. Although her poetry is scarce, its heroic and spirited tone rivals that of men, equally admirable. This book selects 45 of Li Qingzhao's ci and 10 of her poems, encompassing nearly all her important works, and is meticulously arranged in chronological order with detailed introductions, annotations, and explanations, making it an excellent classical poetry reader.
This series of "Classical Poetry Masters" is curated by Zhonghua Book Company, featuring selected masterpieces of renowned poets from Chinese history, compiled with the latest research findings. It offers a systematic and accessible collection of classical poetry, blending academic rigor with readability, appealing to both scholars and general readers. The compilation was jointly undertaken by over 30 experts and scholars from more than 20 institutions.
1. The primary criterion for selection is the popularity of the works, while also considering their ideological depth and artistic merit.
2. The texts are primarily based on authoritative versions, especially those of authoritative collations, without textual annotations. Minor variations are generally not noted, while significant ones are explained in the annotations.
3. Each book includes an "Introduction" before the main text, providing a comprehensive and insightful overview of the selected author, works, and related content.
4. Works are arranged chronologically, with those not dated placed after the dated ones.
5. Below each poem or prose is a "Brief Introduction" and "Annotations." The brief introduction provides context on the writing background, themes, techniques, artistic features, and relevant names, places, and dynasties. The annotations address the needs of general readers, with particular attention to explaining allusions, specialized terms, and difficult expressions. Obscure characters are annotated with Pinyin, and confusing sentences are elaborated upon.
Through this series, readers can gain a thorough and systematic understanding of outstanding poets and works in the history of Chinese literature, fostering spiritual resonance, enriching life experiences, and serving as a model for learning and imitation in poetry creation.
Li Qingzhao is a rare genius among female writers in the history of Chinese literature. Her ci is cleverly crafted with fresh and elegant verses, widely recognized as masterful. Although her poetry is scarce, its heroic and spirited tone rivals that of men, equally admirable. This book selects 45 of Li Qingzhao's ci and 10 of her poems, encompassing nearly all her important works, and is meticulously arranged in chronological order with detailed introductions, annotations, and explanations, making it an excellent classical poetry reader.
Li Qingzhao (1084–c. 1151): A female poet of the Southern Song Dynasty. Known as the "Lady of Yi'an," she was from Zhangqiu, Qizhou (now part of Shandong). Her father, Li Gefei, was a renowned scholar of the time, and her husband, Zhao Mingcheng, was an expert in epigraphy and numismatics. In her early life, she lived a comfortable existence, collaborating with Zhao Mingcheng in collecting and organizing calligraphy, painting, and artifacts. After the Jin invaders occupied the Central Plains, she fled south and was widowed at an early age, enduring hardship. Her early ci often depicted leisurely life, while her later works lamented her misfortunes, tinged with melancholy, though some also expressed longing for her homeland. Stylistically, she excelled in using plain descriptions, forging her own path with elegant language. She emphasized musicality in ci, advocated for classical refinement and emotional depth, and proposed the theory that "ci is a distinct genre," opposing the practice of writing it like prose or poetry. She was also skilled in poetry, though few of her works survive. Some of her poems reflect on contemporary events and history with passionate and spirited verses, differing from her ci style. She left behind works such as the Collected Works of Lady Yi'an and Ci of Lady Yi'an, which are now lost. Later scholars compiled her Ci of Shuyu, while modern editions include Collected Works of Li Qingzhao with Annotations.