The Songs of the South: An Anthology of Ancient Chinese Poems by Qu Yuan and Other Poets (Penguin Classics)

Masterworks of early Chinese poetry Dating from the second century AD, this anthology is the second- oldest collection of Chinese poems in existence. The poems, originating from the state of Chu and rooted in Shamanism, are grouped under seventeen titles and contain all that we know of Chinese poetry's ancient beginnings. The earliest poems were composed in the fourth century BC, and almost half of them are traditionally ascribed to Qu Yuan. In his introduction to this edition, David Hawkes provides a fascinating discussion of the history of these poems and their context, styles, and themes. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Contents Preface Note on Spelling General Introduction Li sao ‘On Encountering Trouble Jiu ge ‘Nine Songs’ Tian wen ‘Heavenly Questions’ Jiu zhang ‘Nine Pieces? Yuan you ‘Far-off Journey’ Bu ju ‘Divination’ Yu fu ‘The Fisherman' Jiu bian ‘Nine Changes’ Zhao hun ‘Summons of the Soul’ Dä zhao ‘The Great Summons' Xi shi ‘Sorrow for Troth Betrayed’ Zhao yin shi ‘Summons for a Recluse‘ Qi jian ‘Seven Remonstrances’ Ai shi ming 'Alas That My Lot Was Not Cast' Jiu huai ‘Nine Regrets' Jiu tan ‘Nine Laments’ Jiu si ‘Nine Longings' Glossary of Names Chronological Table Maps This anthology was first compiled in the second century AD. Its poems, originating from the state of Chu and rooted in Shamanism, are grouped under 17 titles. The earliest poems were composed in the 4th century BC and almost half of them are traditionally ascribed to Qu Yuan. In his introduction to this edition, David Hawkes provides a discussion of the history of these poems and their context, styles and themes.