Looking for the Cow

by Kevin O'Rourke

This anthology of seventy-two poets covers the whole spectrum of Korean poetry in this century, with larger selections from the best-known poets, including Midang So Chung-Ju, Kim Sowol, and Kim Suyong. Many types of poetry, from the classical shijo to free-verse forms are represented. Many subjects are covered, from love and the love of nature, Buddhist and Confucian traditions, the search for transcendence (which is where the book's title comes from), and contemporary political poetry.

Genres: Poetry

168 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the goodreads data base.

O’Rourke immigrated to South Korea as a priest from Ireland in the 1960s, but remained in the country and became the first foreigner to receive a Ph.D. in Korean literature from a Korean institution. The impact of O’Rourke on the world of translation is immense; he is most famous for his work on Silla and Goryeo era couplets, as well as for translating the text of classical, ethereal writers like 12th-century poet Yi Kyo-bo.

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best English collection of Korean poetry extant. Kevin O'Rourke is an Irish priest who worked in Korea for years as a professor of English. He is the first person to explain the Korean "Resistance" (to the Japanese occupation 1905-1945) in English. His work also reflects a keen appreciation and understanding of Buddhism, Confucianism, shamanism and other major underlying tenets of Korean Culture.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been introduced to any Korean poetry, so when I found out about this publication I was very eager to dive in. To my knowledge, it's a fantastic collection.