A Lute of Jade: Selections from the Classical Poets of China

by Launcelot Cranmer-Byng

A Lute of Selections from the Classical Poets of China by Cranmer-Byng has been regarded as significant work throughout human history, and in order to ensure that this work is never lost, we have taken steps to ensure its preservation by republishing this book in a contemporary format for both current and future generations. This entire book has been retyped, redesigned, and reformatted. Since these books are not made from scanned copies, the text is readable and clear.

Genres: Poetry

68 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1909

About the author

1872-1945

Reviews

[Kristyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read many translations of classic Chinese poetry, and though the versions in this book did not grip me (I prefer modern translations), the author's tone of awestruck wonder at the skill of the poets of the Tang dynasty drew me in, with lines such as:

"after the lapse of a thousand years these glowing pages torn from the book of life have drifted towards us like rose-leaves down a sombre stream."

And

"Certainly the music is the most haunting, suggestive of many-coloured moods, with an undertone of sadness, and that motive of sympathy between the artist-exiles of the universe which calls the song from the singer and tears from the heart of the man."

His commentary is, however, of its time (a century ago) in emphasizing on an East/West dichotomy by exalting the "East," especially of a seemingly mythic past, and disdaining the "West" and contemporary works.

[Carolyn Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounding it up to 3. It was a decent introduction into classical Chinese poetry. The author put little historical notes about each of the poets, and a few of their more famous pieces.

I think I enjoyed this more as a brief door-opener than I did for itself. It was small and had a lot of jumping-off points for independent study. As for the poems themselves, I'd be interested in more contemporary translations, to see how they compare.

[Jay Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great representation of basic Chinese poetry from a decent variety of poets.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's short and sweet, with a nice little selection of Li Pi, Po Chu-i, etc. Very pretty. I couldn't tell you how accurate the translation is. It seems clunky in several places, but that may have been totally unavoidable, and it's a very pleasant read regardless.