The Poet Li Po, A.D. 701-762

"The Poet Li Po, A.D. 701-762" by Arthur Waley and Bai Li is a scholarly examination of the life and works of one of China's most renowned poets, Li Po, written in the early 20th century. This biography includes various translations of his poetry and critical commentary on his status in Chinese literature, emphasizing themes central to his work. The book likely delves into the Tang Dynasty (618–907), a period celebrated for its rich cultural achievements and the heights of Chinese poetry. The text outlines Li Po's life, his upbringing, and his experiences at the imperial court which significantly influenced his poetry. It discusses his relationships, particularly with wine and nature, and the themes of impermanence and aesthetic beauty prevalent in his work. Through careful analysis of his poems, Waley illustrates how Li Po’s reputation has ebbed and flowed over time, often contrasting it with that of his contemporary, Tu Fu. The collection covers a wide range of Li Po's poetry, highlighting his stylistic creativity and the cultural context that shaped his artistic vision. Overall, this book serves as both a biographical account and a critical study of Li Po's enduring legacy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Arthur David Waley was an English orientalist and sinologist who achieved both popular and scholarly acclaim for his translations of Chinese and Japanese poetry. Among his honours were appointment as Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1952, receiving the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 1953, and being invested as a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1956.