Three Hundred Song Dynasty Quatrain Poems

Author: Xu Jianzhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-04-01
Features: The selected works of writers in this book cover a wide range of topics, with the selection criteria based on the quality of the works rather than the fame of the authors. Therefore, in addition to the works of renowned figures, this book may also include excellent works by less-known poets, filling some gaps in the history of poetry that were previously left unexplored. For example, the "Spring Tour Ode" by Wu Hong of the Southern Song Dynasty:
"Whispers of birds amid misty light,
People walk through grassy hue,
Suddenly scattered by the pond’s edge,
Again they meet beneath the flowers."
These four concise lines vividly depict the enchanting scene of spring’s return, with birdsong and fragrant blossoms. Past critics often overlooked the artistic achievement of this poem, but here, like sifting through sand to find gold, it is presented to readers, showcasing the compiler’s discerning taste. As a specialized anthology of quatrains by dynasties, most compilers typically only select five-character and seven-character quatrains. However, this book stands out by not only focusing on five-character and seven-character quatrains but also pioneering the inclusion of six-character quatrains, truly setting a new precedent. For instance, the "Spring Tune of Three Platforms" by Xu Daishi:
"Last night, a gentle breeze and light rain,
Today, a thin haze with mild chill,
A bird’s cry outside the eaves,
Announcing the safety of flowers and willows."
The poem’s fresh imagery conveys genuine emotion through simple language, demonstrating the enduring charm and readability of six-character quatrains. Another creative aspect of this book is the pairing of paintings with poetry. Ancient masterpieces from the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties are paired with the selected poems, creating a harmonious blend of text and image. This not only aids in understanding the poem’s meaning but also enhances reading interest, making it captivating.