Sunflower Splendor: Three Thousand Years of Chinese Poetry

by Wu-chi Liu (Editor)

A comprehensive anthology of Chinese poetry from the 12th century B.C. to the present. "This magnificent collection has the effect of a complete library rather than of an anthology of poetry. . . . A lyric quality comes through into our own language . . . Every page is alive with striking and wonderful things, immediately accessible." ―Publishers Weekly "Sunflower Splendor is the largest and, on the whole, best anthology of translated Chinese poems to have appeared in a Western language."―The New York Times Book Review "This remarkably fine anthology should remain standard for a long time." ―Library Journal " . . . excellent translations by divers hands. Open to any page and listen to the still, sad music . . . " ―Washington Post Bookworld

Genres: Poetry, China

704 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1975

Reviews

[E. G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acknowledgments
Preface, by Wu-chi Liu and Irving Y. Lo
Introduction, by Irving Yucheng Lo
Explanations

--Sunflower Splendor: Three Thousand Years of Chinese Poetry

Bibliography
Background on Poets and Poems

Appendix I: Tune-titles and Translations
Appendix II: Chinese Dynasties and Historical Periods, A Chronological Table

Index of Authors
Supplemental Bibliography: More Translations of Chinese Poetry and Books on Poetics and Lives of Chinese Poets

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 3 out of 5]

The bulk of this collection nicely represents the "classical" period, that is, a couple thousand years worth of Chinese poetic endeavors. And they're just fine. The problem is is that they come across as rather stale and unimaginative, wine songs to state counselors and walkings through city gates. That's part of the problem with an immense historical collection like this. Burdened by the circumstance in distance and time, and not to mention translation, the nuance and subtlety of these older poems are lost, reduced to copious footnotes which interrupt the text. This isn't so much of an issue once you get into modern times, but the problem with those poems is that they've become too infused with the styles of other lands. It might be a better approach to latch on to a poet you like and dig in to his or her works first. Noble compilations such as this can be overwhelming.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the anthologies of Chinese poetry, this is one of the best with precise, impeccable translations. This is a book to have and hold your whole life long.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing collection that is, sadly, out of print. I've been enjoying these beautiful Chinese poems for many months now. I'm sure I'll return to them often. At the end of the poetry section there is a large biographical section with information on each of the poets that is really valuable. 3,000 years of Chinese poems, what a wonderful collection!

[Stephan Anstey · Rating 5 out of 5]

For any lover of poetry I believe this is a must-have must read book. The depth and breath of this collection is really amazing and has really brought a lot into my life.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this a book of poetry, I will never stop reading it. So, "read" isn't quite the right description.

[Nathan Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drinking Alone Beneath the Moon

A pot of wine among the flowers:
I drink alone, no kith or kin near.
I raise my cup to invite the moon to join me;
It and my shadow make a party of three.
Alas, the moon is unconcerned about drinking,
And my shadow merely follows me around.
Briefly I cavort with the moon and my shadow:
Pleasure must be sought while it is spring.
I sing and the moon goes back and forth,
I dance and my shadow falls at random.
While sober we seek pleasure in fellowship;
When drunk we go each our own way.
Then let us pledge friendship without human ties
And meet again at the far end of the Milky Way.
-Li Po
this is an example of why this book will be joining me in Mexico City.

[Ivan Granger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An encyclopedic anthology of Chinese poetry. You’ll find selections from every major and many lesser-known Chinese poets, including Li Po, Wang Wei, Han Shan, Tu Fu, Tao Chien, and far too many more to list. If you’re a lover of Chinese poetry, this is a must have book!

[P.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of Chinese poetry. The translations are very readable. Quite a work in its own right.

[Evan Streeby · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection and poetic English translation