Yuan Mei

Yuan Mei (1716-1797) was a Chinese poet and scholar who rejected Neo-Confucian orthodoxy in favor of individualism and sensual pleasures. Arthur Waley's biography examines Yuan's life and work through translations of his poetry and writings, along with historical context of 18th century China. The book covers Yuan's career as a government official, his retirement to a private garden estate, and his unconventional lifestyle that included teaching female students. Waley translates and analyzes Yuan's major works, including his poetry, culinary writings, and supernatural tales. Yuan's philosophical stance against rigid moralism and his celebration of art, food, and nature illuminate a lesser-known perspective from Qing Dynasty China. His influence on Chinese intellectual history and literature continues to resonate with modern readers seeking alternatives to traditional orthodoxy.

Readers note that this biography provides an intimate look at Yuan Mei's life and work through translations of his poetry and personal writings. Many appreciate the detailed insights into 18th century Chinese literary culture and Yuan Mei's iconoclastic personality. Liked: - Clear translations of Yuan Mei's poems - Historical context about Qing dynasty society - Inclusion of Yuan Mei's food writings and recipes - Balanced portrayal showing both achievements and flaws Disliked: - Some sections on Chinese customs feel dated by modern standards - Limited information about Yuan Mei's early life - Occasional academic jargon makes parts dense Online Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) WorldCat: No ratings available Google Books: No ratings available Key Reader Comment: "Waley brings Yuan Mei to life through his letters and poems, though the biographical details can be sparse at times." - Goodreads reviewer [Note: This book has limited online reviews available due to its academic nature and age of publication]

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🔖 Yuan Mei, though a renowned Chinese poet, was equally famous for his cookbook "Suiyuan Shidan," which detailed elaborate recipes and culinary philosophy of 18th-century China. 🎨 Author Arthur Waley never visited China or Japan, despite being one of the most influential translators of East Asian literature in the 20th century and mastering both languages. 📚 Yuan Mei challenged Confucian traditions by accepting female students and encouraging women to write poetry, which was highly controversial during the Qing Dynasty. 🏛️ The book explores Yuan Mei's unique position as both a government official and a free-thinking intellectual who often mocked orthodox beliefs and stuffy bureaucrats in his writings. 🍵 Yuan Mei's garden, Suiyuan (Garden of Contentment), became a cultural salon where he hosted literary gatherings and elaborate meals, combining his passions for poetry, food, and intellectual discourse.