Selected Poems of Xie Lingyun and Bao Zhao -- Classical Poetry Masterpieces

Author: Hu Dairei (Editor and Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Xie Lingyun is the pioneer of Chinese landscape poetry, and Bao Zhao is one of the most outstanding poets of the Yuan period. Their poems complement each other, exerting significant influence on later generations of poets. This book selects 53 poems of Xie Lingyun and 66 poems of Bao Zhao, arranged chronologically, with detailed annotations and explanations. It provides a comprehensive reflection of their works, offering valuable insights for understanding their poetry and Chinese medieval poetry.
Xie Lingyun (385–433) was a poet during the Jin and Southern Dynasties. Originally from Chen State Yangxia (now Taikang, Henan), he was the grandson of Xie Xuan and inherited the title of Kangle Marquis, hence the posthumous name Xie Kangle. Xie Lingyun was born in Shining, Kuaiji (now Shangyu, Zhejiang). Shortly after his birth, he was adopted by the Du family of Qiantang. At the age of 15, he returned to Jiankang, earning the childhood nickname "Kere" (meaning "guest child") and later being called Xie Ke. The Xie and Wang families were both leading aristocratic clans since the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Xie Lingyun received an excellent cultural education in his youth, and his talent was recognized early by his cousin Xie Hun. He competed with his cousins Xie Zhan and Xie Hui, becoming one of the outstanding figures of the Xie clan. In the first year of the Yixi era (405), Xie Lingyun joined the court as a staff member under the Grand Marshal of Langya Wang De Wen. The following year, Liu Yi, the of Yuzhou, moved his headquarters to Gusu (now Dangtu, Anhui), appointing Xie Lingyun as a secretary. Liu Yi and Liu Yu were both commanders of the Northern Army. Liu Yi held a slightly lower rank than Liu Yu but later expanded his power, eventually opposing Liu Yu. During the conflict between the two Liu clans, Xie Hun supported Liu Yi. In the eighth year of the Yixi era, Xie Hun was killed by Liu Yu. The ninth year, Liu Yi committed suicide after his defeat. However, Liu Yu still adopted a lenient and accommodating attitude toward the Xie family, appointing Xie Lingyun as a staff member under the Grand Tutor.
Bao Zhao (412?–466), styled Mingyuan, was from Donghai (now part of Jiangsu). His family was of humble origins. When Prince Linhai Liu Zixu governed Jingzhou, Bao Zhao served as a staff member in the advance guard. When Liu Zixu rebelled, Bao Zhao was killed by rebel troops. He excelled in Yuefu poetry, and his seven-character poems played a significant role in the development of Tang Dynasty poetry. His collected works are titled Bao Canjun Ji.