()-- Ouzhai Poetry Collection (Volume 1 and 2) -- Series of Modern Chinese Literature

Author: Qi Ting, edited by Nie Shimei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-12-01
Features: In the late Qing poetry scene, where the stars were numerous, Baoting was a brilliant star shining with unique brilliance. This was not only because he was of noble birth, belonging to the imperial family, and of high status, but also because of his extraordinary and unrestrained poetry that surpassed the rest, subtly wearing the crown of a Manchu poet. At the same time, he was also admired for his integrity and honesty as an official. In the early years of the Guangxu reign, he and Chen Baochen, Zhang Peilun, Deng Chengxiu, and others encouraged and respected each other with their literary talent and integrity, repeatedly submitting memorial essays with many suggestions. He spoke frankly and dared to criticize, his voice shaking the court and the country. Although it was impossible to save a collapsing building, his upright and pure character made the entire court respect the "Four Counselors," and the whole nation regarded them as the clear stream. In the pitch-black political landscape of the late Qing dynasty, he showed a rare brightness.
Secondly, Baoting's life was full of legendary color. He was deeply fond of poetry and wine, loving them as if they were his life. Aisin Gioro Baoting, styled Zhongxian, styled Zupo, and self-styled Ouzhai in his later years, had a life full of legendary charm. Born into nobility but not obsessed with power, he remained devoted to poetry and wine even in poverty and illness. His words and deeds were not bound by convention, often surprising people. Baoting wrote over 2,000 poems in his lifetime, excelling in all styles, particularly in long narrative poems in five-and-seven-character lines, with full momentum and unrestrained passion. For example, his poem "Record of a Journey in Western Hills" is over 2,900 characters long and is considered a masterpiece of the modern poetry scene. As a result, he earned the reputation of a great Manchu poet and held a high position in modern poetry. Our press's first comprehensive compilation and publication of Baoting's poetry collection will not only promote the study of modern literature but also provide rich historical materials reflecting the social reality of the time, which will have positive reference value for the study of modern Chinese politics, history, economy, and culture.