Women Poets of China

by Ling Chung and Kenneth Rexroth

Book Overview

This book (originally published in 1972 by The Seabury Press as The Orchid Boat) is the first representative collection of the poetry of Chinese women to appear in English. Unlike Japan with its long tradition of women writers, poetry by women did not become fashionable in China until the Ch'ing dynasty (1644-1911), although poems from earlier centuries that do in fact survive will quickly dispel any stereotyped views. Included here are samplings from the legendary earliest poetry of courtesans, palace women, and Tao priestesses to works by contemporary Chinese women living in both the East and West. Appendixes include notes on the poems, an introductory essay on Chinese women and literature, a table of historical periods, and a bibliography.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811208214
• ISBN13: 9780811208215
• Release Date: February 1982
• Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation
• Length: 150 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

BEAUTIFUL!!

Probably my favorite of the asian poetry books that I've read. Thanks for the compilation, Kenneth.

Unashamed, direct, honest, on par with women poets today.

This collection was a huge surprise. Unlike the steryo type of what women in China was like, subservient to husbands they are forced to marry, with little thoughts and feelings for themselves. These women poets starting from 1644-1911, shout out thier love of thier partners, discuss drinking, sex, lust, romance, infactutation and even loving other women.The metaphors are soft and light at the first reading, yet if you look deeper you realise some of the subjects are far from the softness the poetry is conveyed in.A good histrical text on Chinese Women and a good read. As the previous reviewer said, buy two and give one to a friend.

One of the greatest collaborative translations ever

An exciting selection of poems by known and previously unknown women poets. Ling Chung's scholarship and sensitivity gave the late great Kenneth Rexroth the insight and inspiration to outdo himself here. Buy two copies and give one to a friend.