Three Hundred Tang Poems

Author: Xing Tao
General Planner: Ji Jianghong
Editor-in-Chief:
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-07-01
Features: This book selects renowned masterpieces and celebrated poems from the Tang Dynasty poetry, representing the works of various periods and schools in the Tang poetry. It broadly outlines the landscape of Tang Dynasty poetry and stands as the most widely circulated and influential Tang poetry anthology in history. The anthology covers a wide range of poems in terms of style and theme, including natural phenomena, political dynamics, labor life, social customs, and personal emotions—all of which escape the keen eyes of the poets and become their subjects. The compilers have omitted long regulated poems and established the Yuefu style, while including all major forms such as five-character ancient poems, seven-character ancient poems, five-character regulated poems, seven-character regulated poems, five-character quatrains, and seven-character quatrains. In his preface, Mr. Hongtang Tu once quoted a folk saying of the time: "Familiarize yourself with three hundred Tang poems, and even if you cannot compose, you will be able to recite." This book collects three hundred and sixteen Tang poems, organized into eleven chapters based on different styles. Each poem is presented in four parts: the original poem, annotations, translation, and appreciation, accompanied by a brief introduction to the poet.
In terms of annotations, we provide concise hints on the themes and artistic features of the poems, aiming for clarity and simplicity. This approach leaves ample room for readers to engage in independent thinking while aiding their understanding. One of the distinctive features of this book is that each poem is accompanied by an ancient painting that complements its poetic essence. Many masterpieces of Tang poetry indeed possess a poetic and painterly quality. Su Shi of the Song Dynasty once praised the Tang poet Wang Wei of the High Tang for his ability to "paint in poetry" and "compose poetry in painting," demonstrating the interconnectedness of traditional Chinese poetry and painting in terms of artistic connotation. This book selects classic illustrations of ancient poetry, allowing the poetic and painterly elements to intertwine. This enhances readers' ability to immerse themselves in the poetic world, adds a visual dimension to reading poetry, and cultivates rich imagination. Through a relaxed and engaging process, readers can fully appreciate the infinite literary charm of Tang poetry.