A Lute of Jade : Selections from the Classical Poets of China

This audio collection gathers some of the most resonant verses from China’s classical poets, from the ancient ballads of early dynasties through the flourishing Tang era. The translator’s careful hand preserves the musical cadence of the original, while a brief introduction sets the cultural and philosophical backdrop that shaped these timeless lines. Listeners will hear the raw emotions of courtly love, the quiet yearning of travelers, and the stark reflections of soldiers on distant frontiers, all rendered in clear, accessible English.

Each poem offers a glimpse into a world where nature, duty, and fleeting joy intertwine with the deeper currents of Confucian thought and Buddhist melancholy. The anthology’s structure guides you through themes of exile, seasonal change, and the ever‑present search for inner peace, making it both an educational tour of Chinese literary heritage and a soothing, lyrical experience for the ear.