The Great Age of Chinese Poetry: The High Tang

Owen is a great explainer. He gives you the context in which the poems were written, and you know the translations are accurate. At times, he is completely caught up in a poem, and takes you with him, into an immersion experience that I have never found with another writer in this genre. There is not a lot of music in him, and there are times when the beauty of a poem is not readily apparent in his translation, but you can go other places for music. The book is superb, and, for an English-speaking lover of classical Chinese poetry, indispensable. I am so grateful for this paperback version -- I had given up on ever owning this book before. A lifetime "must-have."

As thorough a history in one learned volune

Bought this book for our library...and it's missing 105 of the first pages of the book.

Book exactly as described. Excellent service.

Very interesting book, this author explains Chinese poetry very well.

Do not hesitate to get this newly offered paperback version of this wonderful book [updated 1/6/14]. There was a point in time when you could only purchase the original for more than 10 times the current paperback price from the Amazon marketplace. This is a classic work covering the Tang flowering of Chinese poetry, highlighting the works as well as the cultural background. It discusses Wang Wei, Meng Hao-jan, Li Po, Tu Fu and many others. The text contains a liberal selection of translations by Owen (many not found in anthologies) as well as the original Chinese. 94 pages of the originally published 440 page book were devoted to an appendix of detailed notes to the poems in small typeface. The updates and additions to the new paperback edition will be welcome.

An important book by a renowned scholar. Let's get this (and all of his other books) back in print. T'ang poetry is one of the world's greatest cultural achievements and this is one of the best treatments.

After a 30 year wait Owen's book has been reprinted. Now all three titles on the Tang are in print. Don't miss the chance to get yourself a copy. Yes the price, the price but used copies varied from $400 to $700. An incomparable work for those who are obsessed with Chinese literature. If you are in doubt don't be; buy this book, it's the 'tang to do.