One Hundred Poems from the Chinese

Kenneth Rexroth's One Hundred Poems from the Chinese presents translations of works spanning from the Han Dynasty through the T'ang Dynasty. The collection includes poems by Tu Fu, Li Po, Wang Wei, and other significant Chinese poets. The translations maintain a focus on natural imagery and human emotion while adhering to Western poetic forms rather than attempting to recreate Chinese structures. Rexroth organizes the poems chronologically and provides context about each poet's life and historical period. The poems address love, solitude, friendship, and the relationship between humans and nature. These translations offer readers an entrance point into classical Chinese poetry through a mid-20th century American lens.

Readers appreciate Rexroth's translations for making classical Chinese poetry accessible while maintaining emotional resonance. Many note his ability to capture the spirit rather than literal meanings. What readers liked: - Clean, uncluttered language that preserves the original's simplicity - Inclusion of both famous and lesser-known Chinese poets - Brief biographical notes that provide context - The mix of themes: love, nature, solitude, aging What readers disliked: - Some find the translations too loose or Westernized - Limited Chinese context and original text not included - A few readers note occasional awkward phrasing Ratings: Goodreads: 4.27/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (90+ reviews) Notable reader comments: "These feel more like American poems inspired by Chinese originals" - Goodreads reviewer "Perfect entry point for Chinese poetry" - Amazon reviewer "Captures the quiet beauty without getting lost in academic precision" - LibraryThing review

Cold Mountain Poems by Han Shan These translations capture the same Zen-influenced Chinese poetry that speaks of nature, solitude, and enlightenment through clear, unadorned language.

The Selected Poems of Tu Fu by David Hinton This collection presents the work of China's most revered classical poet through translations that maintain the original's precision and depth.

Mountain Home: The Wilderness Poetry of Ancient China by David Hinton The anthology brings together Chinese wilderness poetry from the T'ang Dynasty, focusing on humanity's relationship with the natural world.

The Poetry of Zen by Sam Hamill, J.P. Seaton These translations of Chinese and Japanese Zen poetry share Rexroth's commitment to spiritual themes and simple, direct expression.

The Late Poems of Wang An-shih by David Hinton The translations present a Chinese master's reflections on nature and aging with the same spare elegance found in Rexroth's work.

🌏 Kenneth Rexroth learned Chinese and Japanese while working as a fruit picker in the Pacific Northwest, teaching himself during his off-hours with help from Asian co-workers. 📚 The collection includes poems spanning from the 11th century BCE to the 14th century CE, representing works from both the classical and folk traditions of Chinese poetry. 🖋️ Rexroth's translations are known for prioritizing poetic feeling over literal accuracy, leading some scholars to call them "versions" rather than strict translations. 🎭 Many of the poems in the collection were performed at jazz clubs in San Francisco during the 1950s, with Rexroth reading them accompanied by jazz musicians. 🌸 The book prominently features works by Li Bai (Li Po), often considered China's greatest poet, who legend says died while drunkenly trying to embrace the reflection of the moon in a river.