Reconsidering Tu Fu: Literary Greatness and Cultural Context (Cambridge Studies in Chinese History, Literature and Institutions) [Hardcover]

Eva Shan Chou (Author), James R. Hightower (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 24, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0521440394 | ISBN-13: 978-0521440394

Tu Fu is, by universal consent, the greatest poet of the Chinese tradition and the epitome of the Chinese moral conscience at its highest. In Reconsidering Tu Fu, Eva Shan Chou examines Tu Fu both as a cultural monument and as a poet. She investigates the evolution of his stature as an icon, and provides translations of many poems, both well known and obscure. Her analyses are both original in their formulation and considerate of the many fine readings of traditional commentators.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...very well produced....[an] excellent book. Eva Shan Chou has sorted through and straightened out questions of great complexity and done so with admirable intelligence." Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies

"...the author introduces some new analytical concepts that enhance understanding and appreciation of Tu Fu's poems. The result is a fresh and innovative look at some familiar verses. Chou's original, insightful, and comprehensive criticism focuses on the poems rather than on theoretical dogma. This is the most important study on Tu Fu to appear in many years. Even Chinese literature experts will profit from reading it. Highly recommended for all collections of traditional Chinese poetry." Choice

"Chou takes a critical look at the construction of cultural forces that enthrones Tu Fu's work in such universal esteem. She also provides an analytical treatment of the poetry which technical poetics has rarely attempted before." The Reader's Review

Book Description

Tu Fu is, by universal consent, the greatest poet of the Chinese tradition and the epitome of the Chinese moral conscience at its highest. In Reconsidering Tu Fu, Eva Shan Chou examines Tu Fu both as a cultural monument and as a poet. She investigates the evolution of his stature as an icon, and provides translations of many poems, both well known and obscure. Her analyses are both original in their formulation and considerate of the many fine readings of traditional commentators.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 24, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521440394
• ISBN-13: 978-0521440394
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,512,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reconsidering Tu Fu: Literary Greatness and Cultural Context, February 4, 2004

By 

David Kwang (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reconsidering Tu Fu: Literary Greatness and Cultural Context (Cambridge Studies in Chinese History, Literature and Institutions) (Hardcover)

Not only this book is a book of history, but also a book of poetry. Tu Fu, through his poems, history of his contemporary time was also revealed. Professor Chou has also analyzed thoroughly on the structure of the poems. I highly recommand this book for anyone who is doing a research in historical Chinese poetries.