The Genius of Su Tungpo (English-Chinese Edition): Lin Yutang’s English Translation of 30+ Su Shi Poems & Prose

What is this book?
This is Dongpo's Brushstrokes, part of the Lin Yutang's English Translations of Chinese Poetry and Prose series published by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. It's a 223-page full-color hardcover featuring over 30 works by Su Shi (Su Dongpo), translated into English by Lin Yutang himself—ranging from essays like Record on the Terrace for Stepping on the Void and The Stone Bell Mountain to beloved ci poems like Mid-Autumn Festival ("When will the moon be clear and bright?") and A Dream ("Ten years—dead and living dim and draw apart")-8.

Why should you buy it?
Lin Yutang was one of modern China's most celebrated writers, translators, and linguists—twice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature—who dedicated his life to introducing Chinese culture to English-speaking readers-12. His translations of Su Shi are not literal renderings but creative re-expressions: he captures Dongpo's emotions, ideas, and way of life in English that feels natural and alive-18.

What can this book do for you?

• If you're learning Chinese or English: This is the most elegant bilingual reading material you can find. Chinese original on one side, Lin Yutang's English translation on the other—perfect for side-by-side study.

• If you're interested in Chinese culture but your Chinese isn't strong enough: This book was made for you. Lin Yutang's English is fluent and readable, without the stiffness of typical translations.

• If you love beautiful books: Cloth-bound hardcover, full-color printing, illustrated with classical Chinese calligraphy and paintings related to each piece. The title calligraphy is by Professor Bai Qianshen of Boston University's Department of Art History-18.

Is this book right for you?
Yes, if you are: an English-speaking reader curious about Chinese literature and culture; a Chinese reader learning English; a fan of Su Dongpo; someone interested in Lin Yutang's translations; a collector of fine bilingual books.
Maybe not, if you want: a modern Chinese vernacular translation of Su Shi (this is English, not modern Chinese); a lightweight paperback (this is a substantial hardcover).