Reconsidering Tu Fu: Literary Greatness and Cultural Context

Description

Tu Fu is, by universal consent, the greatest poet of the Chinese tradition. In the epochal An Lu-shan rebellion, he alone of his contemporaries consistently recorded in poetry the great events and pervasive sufferings of the time. For a millennium now, Tu Fu's poetry has been accepted as epitomizing the Chinese moral conscience at its highest, and as such his work has been placed almost beyond the reach of criticism. In Reconsidering Tu Fu,Eva Shan Chou defuses these formidable problems by examining Tu Fu both as a cultural monument and a poet. She investigates the evolution of his stature as an icon and shows its continuing effect upon interpretations of Tu Fu's work. Dr Chou 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.

"...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