More Translations from the Chinese

A carefully curated anthology brings together some of the most resonant verses of Chinese poetry, stretching from the early centuries BCE to the Tang dynasty. Arthur Waley’s translations aim to preserve the original musicality while making the images vivid for an English‑speaking ear. The selection is chronological, allowing listeners to hear how themes of nature, exile, and longing evolve across generations.

Among the highlights is the dramatic “Great Summons,” a fourth‑century appeal to a wandering soul that unfolds with vivid elemental imagery. Waley balances literal fidelity with a poetic form that lets the rhythm breathe, offering brief biographical notes that enrich each poem’s context. Whether the verses whisper of lotus‑laden evenings or roar with mythic dragons, the collection invites listeners to experience the timeless emotional currents that have shaped Chinese literary tradition.