One Hundred Poems from the Chinese (New Directions Book)

Myself and my 13 yr old read poems from this book while waiting our turn at the dentist. When we left, my daughter asked me to buy the book because she loved the poems, the descriptions and the beautiful honesty of the of the poets. We have sat together and read the poems to each other many times.

If one doesn't know early Chinese poetry, this is where you start. I was entranced with this book. I had purchased his 100 Poems from the Japanese many many ears ago, set five poems to music (flute and voice), and when this book arrived I was tempoted to do the same thing. I have seven of David Hinton's translations and this book equals his. James Laughlin knew what he was doing when he published these series. I could have read this book non-stop, but that would not have served its purpose or mine -- immersion. The poems are eloquent effusions of life and people of a different time -- one might wish he could experience in these times. The book has been around for a long time, and its effect on people still holds, as it did for me.

Course material.

A good introduction to Chinese poets, with a light description of each poet and the historical context of the writing. Includes two notable women poets. Mr. Rexroth's translations are full of heart and depth and the meaning shines through.

Scholars may question Rexroth's translations, but I think these are fantastic. I've returned to this collection again and again over the years. Just wonderful.

Gave it as a gift 🎁

In 1971 I attended a reading presented by Mr. Rexroth that had an immense impact on my life. I lost my original copy of this volume and was grateful to find it available used at Amazon.

I will try and buy the rest of the collection eventually as this volume was quite good.

Fabulous poems. Great to have in Kindle form

The finest translations of Chinese poetry I've ever read. I've loved this book for for over forty years. I highly recommend it.

Received this today and can't wait to start reading :-)