Selected Poems of Wei Yingwu -- Classical Poetry Masters

Author: Tao Min, Wang Yousheng (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Wei Yingwu is a renowned poet of the mid-Tang Dynasty. His poetry is natural, sincere, fresh, and elegant, lean yet rich in substance, embodying the essence of Tao Yuanming's style. He has been admired throughout history, and his works are extensively included in "Three Hundred Tang Poems," attesting to his influence. This book selects 157 of Wei's poems, arranged chronologically by creation date. The annotations and introductory notes are meticulous and insightful, making it one of the best selections of Wei's poetry in recent years. It is highly beneficial for understanding and studying both Wei Yingwu the person and his poetry.
This series of ancient "Classical Poetry and Prose Masters" is curated by Zhonghua Book Company, featuring the finest works of renowned poets from various dynasties, compiling the latest research findings. It offers a systematic and accessible collection of poetry and prose that balances academic rigor with readability, appealing to both scholars and general readers. The publication was specially commissioned with the collaboration of over 30 experts and scholars from more than 20 institutions.
1. The primary criterion for selecting works is their popularity and wide recognition, while also considering their ideological depth and artistic merit.
2. The selected texts are primarily based on authoritative versions, especially those rigorously edited, without detailed collation notes. Minor variations are generally omitted, while significant differences are explained in the annotations.
3. Each book includes an introductory essay before the main text, providing a comprehensive and insightful overview of the selected author, their works, and related contexts.
4. Works are arranged chronologically by publication date, with those not dated placed at the end.
5. Each poem or prose piece includes an introductory note and annotations. The introductory note provides context on the poem's background, themes, techniques, artistic features, and references to people, places, and historical periods. The annotations address the needs of general readers, with particular attention to explaining allusions, cultural terms, and difficult phrases. Obscure characters are annotated with Pinyin, and complex sentences are elaborated upon.
Through this series, readers can gain a thorough and systematic understanding of outstanding poets and their works in the history of Chinese literature, fostering intellectual resonance, enriching life experiences, and serving as a model for learning and imitation in poetry creation.
Wei Yingwu (c. 735–c. 792) was a native of Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty. In his youth, he served Emperor Xuanzong as a guard in the inner court, exhibiting a somewhat roguish and unrestrained lifestyle. After the An Lushan Rebellion, he turned to scholarly pursuits, living a frugal and disciplined life, often sitting in quiet contemplation. He became a poet known for his tranquility and elegance. He held positions as the governor of Chuzhou and Jiangzhou, and later served as the Vice Minister of the Left Department. In the early Zhenyuan era, he became the governor of Suzhou, hence the title "Wei Suzhou." His poetry is refined and natural, with Zhu Xi praising it as "without a single contrived word, its atmosphere approaches the Dao, truly a masterful work." His poetry, like that of Tao Yuanming, reflects a deep connection to simplicity and purity. He is best known for his collection The Collected Works of Wei Suzhou.
Wei Yingwu is a renowned poet of the mid-Tang Dynasty. His poetry is natural, sincere, fresh, and elegant, lean yet rich in substance, embodying the essence of Tao Yuanming's style. He has been admired throughout history, and his works are extensively included in "Three Hundred Tang Poems," attesting to his influence. This book selects 157 of Wei's poems, arranged chronologically by creation date. The annotations and introductory notes are meticulous and insightful, making it one of the best selections of Wei's poetry in recent years. It is highly beneficial for understanding and studying both Wei Yingwu the person and his poetry.