Selected Poems of Bai Juyi

Author: Gu Xuejie et al. (Selected and edited)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1999-07-01
Features: In the history of ancient Chinese literature, poetry flourished in the Tang Dynasty, reaching an unprecedented prosperity. Thousands of poets emerged during that period, each presenting distinctive poems that reflected various aspects of social life in that era. For later readers, it was as if they were walking along a mountain path, surrounded by lush peaks and gushing valleys, with so much to see that it was overwhelming. Among these numerous poets, Bai Juyi stands out as one of the most remarkable representatives. Bai Juyi's poetry not only surpasses that of any other Tang Dynasty poet in terms of quantity but also reflects a broader spectrum of social life. In terms of artistic creation, it further showcases his unique style. During his time, Bai Juyi's poetry was not only circulated among his friends but also gained widespread popularity in the imperial court, among the common people, and even abroad. In the history that followed the Tang Dynasty, it continued to influence readers across all social strata. Today, many of Bai Juyi's poems are still beloved by the people, regarded as treasures of the nation's literature. They are cherished, loved, and their valuable parts are absorbed as nourishment to promote the rapid growth of new socialist poetry. However, among the vast body of Bai Juyi's poetry, there are also parts that are considered useless or even harmful by today's standards, and these must be distinguished and selected. To critically inherit this precious literary legacy of our nation, we have attempted to compile this Selected Poems of Bai Juyi. To help beginners understand this outstanding historical poet and his works, we have also provided brief introductions and analyses of the era in which he lived and the historical conditions that gave rise to his creations in this preface and related annotations.