Tao Qian and the Chinese Poetic Tradition: The Quest for Cultural Identity

Ann Arbor: Center For Chinese Studies, University of Michigan, 1994. First. Softcover. Very good; some highlighting and annotation from previous owner, corners are slightly dog-eared. See photos.. Tao Qian was a major figure in Chinese literary history, known as the best poet of the Six Dynasties period. His work often included themes of nature and simplicity. In this scholarly work, Charles Kwong, Director of the Chinese Program at Tufts University, analyzes Tao Qian's work. In two parts, "The Poet within the Wei-Jin Ethos and Classical Ideals" and "Tao Qian's Poetic Art," Kwong offers close readings and cultural analysis providing insight into the great poet's work. A review in the Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies states: "This is a worthwhile book that will be of interest to students and scholars of early medieval Chinese literature. Kwong's writing is... clear, and he deserves high marks for his attention to cultural ideals and historical context in Tao's writings." The poem excerpts in the book are printed in both English and Chinese.