White Juyi Collection

Author: Sun Anbang/Sun Bei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-02-01
Features:
"Desolate grass on the original field, withering and flourishing every year. Unconquered by wild fire, it springs anew with the spring breeze. Its fragrance extends to the ancient road, its verdant green connects with the desolate city. Farewell to the departing prince, lush grass fills the parting sorrow." — Bai Juyi's "Farewell Song of the Ancient Field Grass"
"Parting with earnest words, vows shared in secret. On the seventh day of the seventh month, in the silent night, we whisper our promises. In heaven, we wish to be birds flying wing to wing; on earth, we wish to be branches intertwined. Though heaven and earth may one day end, this sorrow will last forever." — Bai Juyi's "Song of Everlasting Sorrow"
Bai Juyi (772–846), styled Le Tian, was also known as the Fragrant Mountain Resident. He was from Xiagao (now Weinan, Shaanxi). He experienced turmoil in his youth, fled to the Yue region, and endured hardships. He passed the imperial examination in the Zhengyuan era and served as a junior compiler in the Secretariat. During Emperor Xianzong's reign, he became a Hanlin Academician and was appointed as the Left Supplementary Officer. He submitted a memorial demanding the pursuit of the murderer who assassinated the prime minister Wu Yuancheng, but was demoted to the Marquis of Jiangzhou. Later, he served as the governor of several prefectures, including Zhongzhou, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. In the Wenzong era, he became the (Prince's Guest) and (Prince's Vice Grand Tutor) in the eastern part of Luoyang, eventually retiring as Minister of Justice. In his later years, he resided in Fragrant Mountain Temple, earning the title Fragrant Mountain Resident. He advocated the New Yuefu Movement alongside Yuan Zhen, Zhang Ji, and others, dedicating himself to satirical poetry while his lyrical and reflective works gained widespread appreciation. His poetry is characterized by simplicity and accessibility.
He passed the imperial examination in the sixteenth year of the Zhengyuan era and held various posts, including Left Supplementary Officer, East Palace Zanshadu, Marquis of Jiangzhou, governor of Hangzhou and Suzhou, and Grand Tutor. Bai Juyi was a great realist poet. His works covered a wide range of themes and styles, with language that was straightforward and relatable. His "Songs of Qin" and "New Yuefu" dared to criticize the policies of the ruling class, reflecting the suffering of the people and exposing social contradictions. He was also a key figure in the New Yuefu Movement of the mid-Tang dynasty. His narrative poems, such as "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" and "Song of the Pipa," are vivid and emotionally moving, showcasing a unique artistic style with far-reaching influence. In poetic theory, he proposed the principles "Literature should be written for the times" and "Poetry should be composed for events."
This collection selects nearly one hundred forty poems (or pieces) from Bai Juyi's over three thousand works, primarily based on the requirements of the "Famous Works Series" in China's Basic Family Library and the target audience. It balances ideological depth and artistic quality, catering to both advanced readers and the general public.