Elegies of the South (Chinese-English Edition): Xu Yuanchong's Translation of Qu Yuan's Classic Poems

The Romantic Origin of Chinese Classical Poetry
Elegies of the South (Chu Ci) is the first romantic poetry anthology in Chinese literary history, collecting representative works of poets from the Chu region (including Qu Yuan and Song Yu) during the Warring States period. It broke the four-character verse pattern of the Book of Songs, using magnificent imagination, intense emotion, and unique local dialect to open the romantic tradition in Chinese poetry. For any reader wishing to deeply understand the soul of Chinese literature, Elegies of the South is an indispensable classic.

Key Features of This Edition

1. A Translator of the Highest Caliber – Xu Yuanchong
   This book is masterfully translated by Professor Xu Yuanchong of Peking University. He was the first Asian recipient of the "Aurora Borealis" Outstanding Literary Translation Award, the highest honor in the international translation community -1-12. Renowned for his "Three Beauties" translation theory (beauty in meaning, sound, and form), his translations are not only accurate but also beautifully rhythmic. He is known as the "sole Chinese poet who translates into English and French in verse," and through his work, the charm of classical Chinese poetry is vividly recreated in English -1-12.

2. Parallel Bilingual Layout
   The book features a unique design with the English translation in the first section and the original Chinese text in the latter. This layout makes it easy for English-native readers to appreciate the rhythm of Xu's translation, while also allowing Chinese readers to enjoy the original text and share it with international friends.

3. Selected Classic Masterpieces
   The collection includes nearly 30 representative works carefully selected and translated by Professor Xu. It features Qu Yuan's Li Sao (Sorrow after Departure), Jiu Ge (The Nine Songs), Jiu Zhang (The Nine Elegies), Tian Wen (Asking Heaven), as well as Song Yu's Jiu Bian (Nine Apologies) and other timeless pieces -1-4.

Who This Book Is For:

• International readers with an interest in Chinese classical literature and poetry.

• Overseas students and scholars studying the Chinese language or Chinese culture.

• Collectors of fine translations of Chinese classics.

• An excellent gift for international friends interested in Chinese culture.