Arthur Waley

Arthur Waley (1889-1966) was a renowned English orientalist and sinologist who made significant contributions to the translation of Chinese and Japanese literature into English. His translations introduced many Eastern literary masterpieces to English-speaking audiences for the first time, including works like The Tale of Genji and Monkey: Folk Novel of China. Despite never traveling to Asia, Waley taught himself Chinese and Japanese while working at the British Museum, where he served as Assistant Keeper of Oriental Prints and Manuscripts. His translations were noted for their literary merit and accessibility, though he sometimes prioritized readability over strict literal accuracy. Waley's most influential works include his translations of Chinese poetry, particularly The Book of Songs and One Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems, as well as his rendering of the classic Japanese novel The Tale of Genji. His translation work spanned multiple genres including poetry, prose, philosophy, and history. The impact of Waley's work extended beyond translation, as he helped shape Western understanding of East Asian literature and culture during the early to mid-20th century. His scholarly works and translations continue to be widely read and studied, maintaining their relevance in academic and literary circles.

Readers appreciate Waley's clear, poetic language that makes ancient Eastern texts accessible to English audiences. On Goodreads, reviewers note his ability to capture subtle emotional nuances, particularly in The Tale of Genji and Monkey translations. Readers like: - Elegant prose that flows naturally - Detailed cultural notes and context - Balance between accuracy and readability - His handling of poetry translations Common criticisms: - Takes liberties with original texts - Omits sections in some translations - Dated language in older translations - Limited footnotes in some editions Average ratings: Goodreads: - Tale of Genji translation: 4.2/5 (15,000+ ratings) - Monkey translation: 4.1/5 (8,000+ ratings) - Chinese Poetry collections: 4.3/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Tale of Genji: 4.4/5 - Monkey: 4.3/5 Multiple reviewers cite Waley's translations as their gateway to Eastern literature, though academic readers sometimes prefer newer, more literal translations. His poetry translations receive particular praise for maintaining rhythm and imagery while adapting to English verse forms.

The Tale of Genji - A complete English translation of Murasaki Shikibu's 11th-century Japanese novel about the romantic life of a noble prince.

The Analects of Confucius - An influential translation of Confucian teachings and dialogues from Classical Chinese.

Monkey - A translation of the Chinese classic "Journey to the West," following a Buddhist monk's pilgrimage with supernatural companions.

The Poetry and Career of Li Po - A biographical study and translation collection of works by the 8th-century Chinese poet.

The Book of Songs - The first English translation of the complete Shijing, China's earliest anthology of poetry.

The Life and Times of Po Chü-i - A biographical account and poetry translation of the Tang Dynasty poet.

The Secret History of the Mongols - An English translation of the 13th-century Mongolian chronicle about Genghis Khan and his family.

Japanese Poetry: The 'Uta' - A comprehensive study and translation of classical Japanese poetry forms.

The Nō Plays of Japan - Translations of classical Japanese theater works with explanatory notes on their cultural context.

Yuan Mei - A translation and study of works by the 18th-century Chinese poet and gastronome.

Burton Watson translated Chinese and Japanese literature during the mid-20th century with a focus on poetry and philosophical texts. His translations include works from Han Shan, Chuang Tzu, and Su Tung-p'o.

David Hawkes specialized in classical Chinese literature and produced the definitive English translation of "The Story of the Stone" (Dream of the Red Chamber). He worked extensively on Chinese poetry and drama during his career at Oxford.

Ezra Pound created interpretive translations of Chinese poetry that influenced modernist literature in the West. His work with the Chinese written character and "Cathay" opened new approaches to translating East Asian literature.

Howard Goldblatt serves as the primary English translator of Chinese novelist Mo Yan and has translated over 50 works from Chinese authors. His translations span contemporary Chinese fiction from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Donald Keene translated major works of Japanese literature and wrote extensively about Japanese culture spanning multiple periods. His translations include works from Chikamatsu, Bashō, and modern authors like Mishima.