Tang Dynasty Quatrain Anthology of Three Hundred Poems

Author: Xu Jianzhong/Wan Pingxuan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-10-01
Features: A Selection of 300 Poems in Classical Chinese Verse is a selective anthology of regulated verses categorized into five- and seven-character couplets. Because it is primarily intended for middle and high school students and young people, it can fully serve as a teaching reference for schools. If used as a teaching reference, it offers several advantages:
First, the selected poems are carefully curated to suit the reading level of adolescents, ensuring accessibility and ease of comprehension. As this collection focuses on regulated verses—both five-character and seven-character couplets—the poems contain minimal classical allusions, simple contexts, and rich, elegant imagery. The elasticity, implication, tone, and emotional depth of classical Chinese poetry, especially the brevity and structure of regulated verses, make them highly suitable for young readers. Sun Zhu compiled the Tang Shi (Collected Poems of the Tang Dynasty) during the Qing Dynasty, including works such as Han Yu’s Song of the Stone Drums and Visiting the Mount Heng, as well as Li Shangyin’s Facing the Han Stele. While not necessarily poor in quality, these poems are often obscure in meaning and overly difficult in language, so I skipped through them. Today, in the New China, we are not in the Qing Dynasty. If we were to select poems like Sun Zhu did, they would certainly not appeal to young readers. The poems selected here are those that flow smoothly, are enjoyable to savor, and leave a lingering impression, such that after three days without reading, one might feel as if their mouth is foul.
Second, the collection features many masterpieces with strong artistic merit. Examples include Wang Bo’s Mountains, Lu You’s Seeing Someone Off at the Yi River, Song Zhiqian’s Crossing the Han River, Wang Zhihuan’s Ascending the Stork Tower, Meng Haoran’s Spring Dawn, Wang Wei’s Deer Enclosure, and Li Bai’s Quiet Night Thought, among countless others.
Third, the selected poets span from the early Tang Dynasty, with inclusion based on the quality of their works rather than their fame. This approach ensures both the classics of renowned authors and the outstanding works of less-known literary figures are represented.
Fourth, the themes of the selected poems are diverse. While regulated verse inherently favors landscape and emotional expression, this collection also pays close attention to works that reflect the suffering of the people, demonstrate social responsibility, and convey human emotions and life perspectives—especially patriotic poetry.
Fifth, the book is richly illustrated, pairing ancient artworks (such as woodcuts) that complement the poetic mood with the verses themselves. The interaction between the imagery and the poetry enhances and reinforces each other, creating a harmonious synergy.