Quatrain Selections

Author: Zhang Zhixing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Quatrain poetry possesses the general characteristics of ancient Chinese poetry while also having its own unique features. It is concise, flexible, and uses exquisite language, conveying deep meaning in brief phrases and condensing emotions. It is easily accessible to beginners in poetry. The selected poems in this collection are mostly regulated quatrains with a few ancient quatrains, totaling over 370 pieces. The themes are diverse, the content rich, and the ideas healthy. The poems are easy to recite, memorable, and simple to memorize, making them suitable for reference by primary school teachers and students, as well as for young children. Tang Dynasty quatrains are rich in content and varied in style, characterized by their conciseness, refinement, and expressive emotional depth. Through reading this book, readers can gain a general understanding of the development of Tang Dynasty quatrains, their artistic achievements, and various styles. The structure of this book is divided into three parts: brief introductions, annotations, and modern translations, all serving to help readers comprehend the original poems. The "brief introductions" include author biographies and summaries of themes, with some poems accompanied by brief background notes. The "annotations" strive to be concise, accurate, and easy to understand, with difficult characters annotated and all function words explained. The "modern translations" generally adhere closely to the original lines, with literal translation as the primary approach, aiming for a clear rhythm, distinctive charm, and a tone that closely matches the original poem.