Selected Poems of Bai Juyi

Author: Xie Siwei (Editor and Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Bai Juyi's poetry is enchanting, straightforward, and fluid, enjoying numerous admirers both at home and abroad. This book selects over 200 representative poems of Bai Juyi, arranged in chronological order of creation. The introductions are concise, and the annotations are detailed, making it a scholarly yet accessible read of Bai's poetry. This series of ancient "Classical Poetry and Prose Masters" is curated by Zhonghua Book Company, selecting renowned works of famous poets from dynasties past, compiling the latest research findings. It offers a systematic and comprehensive poetry anthology that balances academic rigor with readability, appealing to both scholars and general readers. The compilation was specially invited and contributed to 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 and artistic value.
2. The selected texts are primarily based on authoritative versions, especially authoritative annotated editions. No collation notes are provided, and general variant readings are not explained, while significant variations are clarified in the annotations.
3. Each book in the series includes an "Introduction" before the main text, offering a comprehensive and insightful critique of the selected author, works, and related content.
4. Works are arranged chronologically by compilation year, with those not suitable for chronological arrangement grouped at the end.
5. Below each poem or prose piece, there are "Introductions" and "Annotations." The introductions provide background information on the writing context, themes, techniques, artistic features, and any relevant names, places, or reign periods. The annotations cater to the needs of general readers, with particular attention to explaining allusions, technical terms, and difficult phrases. Obscure characters are annotated with Pinyin, and confusing sentences are elaborated upon.
Through reading this series, readers can gain a thorough and systematic understanding of outstanding poets and their works in the history of Chinese literature, fostering spiritual resonance, enriching life's pleasures and experiences, or serving as a model for learning and imitation, which is beneficial for poetry composition.
Bai Juyi's poetry is enchanting, straightforward, and fluid, enjoying numerous admirers both at home and abroad. This book selects over 200 representative poems of Bai Juyi, arranged in chronological order of creation. The introductions are concise, and the annotations are detailed, making it a scholarly yet accessible read of Bai's poetry.
Bai Juyi (772–846), styled Yutian, was known as the Fragrant Mountain Resident. He was born in Xiagui (now Weinan, Shaanxi). In 800 CE, he passed the imperial examination during the Zhengyuan era and held various posts, including Left Supplementary Counselor, Attendant-in-Waiting to the Crown Prince, Magistrate of Jiangzhou, Governor of Hangzhou and Suzhou, and Grand Preceptor.
Bai Juyi was a great realist poet. His works covered a wide range of themes and styles, employing simple and accessible language. His "Qinzhong Yin" and "Xin Yuefu" dared to criticize the corrupt policies of the ruling class and reflect the suffering of the people, profoundly exposing social contradictions. He was also a key advocate of the New Yuefu Movement in the mid-Tang Dynasty.
His narrative poems, such as "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" and "The Ballad of the Pipa," are known for their delicate descriptions and moving emotional depth, showcasing a unique artistic style with far-reaching influence.
In poetic theory, he proposed the principles that "literature should be written for the times" and "poetry should be composed for events."
Over 3,000 of his poems survive, collected in the "Bai Family Collection of the Longqing Era."