The Art of Writing: Lu Chi's Wen Fu [Paperback]

Lu Chi (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 14, 2000

Written in 200 C.E., the Wen Fu is one of the first Chinese works about the use of language. Discussing the joys and problems that face both writer and reader, it is for those who wish to engage the art of letters at its deepest level. "These timeless poems delve into the heart of writing." - Cleveland Plain Dealer Poet

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

It's hard to believe that a book written around 200 A.D. can so poignantly cut to the quick of writing's agony and ecstasy. Everything that concerns the writer is beautifully addressed, from writer's block ("Sometimes the door remains bolted") to language's limitations ("all their real jewels cannot fill the cup I make of my fingers"), upwards to the writer's re-vision of themes ("a common song sung to a great melody is another way to find beauty") and the joy of creating ("in a single yard of silk, there is infinite space"). This book offers a fresh perspective out of an ancient text. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

Product Details

• Paperback: 90 pages
• Publisher: Milkweed Editions; 2nd edition (September 14, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571314121
• ISBN-13: 978-1571314123
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Chinese
  • #43 in Books > Literature & Fiction > History & Criticism > Asian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration, May 14, 2001

By 

Karyn Kedar (Deerfield, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Writing: Lu Chi's Wen Fu (Paperback)

This beautiful book is an inspiring resource for writers and anyone who is touched by creatvity. I return to its pages of wisdom again and again for guidance as I try to write. It is a classic that must be in every library. I have purchased several to give to friends.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When the pupil is ready, the teacher will come., November 30, 2005

By 

Butch (From the American Heartland.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Art of Writing: Lu Chi's Wen Fu (Paperback)

A few days ago I told someone that I wanted to be able to write more like Lao Tzu. Humility is not one of my stronger suits... That I wanted to be able to write as profoundly and yet concisely as the "OldBoy" himself... I can dream can't I? Today while looking at a book about Thoreau at a local bookstore "Wen Fu" caught my attention. I openned it and discovered that it had been written in the third century by Lu Chi, a soldier-poet. That the "Wen Fu" is a book about the art of writing poetry and intended for those who wish to engage the art of letters at its deepest levels. It discusses the joys and problems that face both writer and reader and provides basic insights about many techniques of this style of writing. The more I read the better it got. It is a book about having the courage of your convictions where writing is concerned.

Sam Hamill's Introduction is excellent at setting up Lu Chi's "Wen Fu". I found it very helpful in understanding and appreciating Lu Chi's words about words.

"Consider the use of letters.
All principles demand them.

Though they travel a thousand miles or more,
nothing in this world can stop them.

They traverse the thousands of years."

The art of writing is about using words as much as they use us.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars after Aristotle and Sun Tzu, meet Lu Chi, August 10, 2001

By 

Robert Kall "Rob Kall of Opednews.com" (Newtown, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Writing: Lu Chi's Wen Fu (Paperback)

Well, you know the saying, the pen is mightier than the sword, so I guess Lu Chi is mightier than Sun Tzu. This book was written about 1700 years ago by a Chinese noble.

The words are very inspiring and quite beautiful. This is a writer's book, one to own if you are a writer, or one to give as a gift that will be appreciated, if you want to make a writer happy.

Here's a sample:

"Caught between the unborn and the living, a writer struggles to maintain both depth and surface."

and

on rewriting:

"Perhaps only a single blossom from the whole bouquet will bloom."

This is a very short book, but one you will revisit.