Kang Zhenping Li Bai

Author: Kang Zhen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Endless Li Bai, Unfathomable Poet Immortal. A man of the court, a guest of the world, a of the universe. CCTV "Baijia Liantan" (The 100 Families Forum) Kang Zhen reveals the ups and downs of Li Bai's tragic and joyful life. When it comes to Li Bai, one cannot but mention the High Tang Dynasty. People often use the term "High Tang spirit" to describe that magnificent and romantic era, and Li Bai, along with his poetry, is the epitome of the personality and artistic symbol of the High Tang spirit. Li Bai was not only the most outstanding romantic poet in ancient Chinese literature but also the most well-known ancient poet. His poems are renowned by all, enjoyed by both the young and the old. Examples include "The waterfalls plunge straight down three thousand feet, as if the Milky Way has tumbled from the heavens," "The monkeys' cries on both banks won't let me go, as my light boat has already passed through ten thousand mountains," and "The peach blossom pond is a thousand feet deep, yet not as deep as Wang Lun's farewell for me." His language is fresh and clear, his emotions intense and devoted! For thousands of years, these profound yet simple masterpieces have moved generation after generation of Chinese people, nurturing our deep love for our homeland, family, friends, and the natural landscape. Li Bai is not only a symbol of the Tang Dynasty and Tang poetry but also an important symbol of the spirit of the Chinese nation! In the history of Chinese poetry, Li Bai is undoubtedly an unscalable peak. His extraordinary works have moved generation after generation of Chinese people, shining brightly across millennia despite the passage of time. Li Bai was also a contradiction. He experienced the peace and prosperity of the High Tang but also endured the hardships of war during the "An Lushan Rebellion." His literary achievements and his official career formed the two extreme poles of his life, with fate always placing him between success and failure. Who was he, after all? Associate Professor Kang Zhen of the School of Literature at Beijing Normal University, through detailed historical records and objective analysis, reconstructs a real Li Bai—a great Li Bai, a Li Bai who suffered and rejoiced. In this era of declining poetic culture, let us pay homage to this eternal "Poet Immortal" in this way!