The Works of Li Po: The Chinese Poet

by Li Po, Shigeyoshi Obata (Translator)

One of China’s most celebrated poets, Li Po (701-762 C.E.) belongs to earth in the most profound way, for he is free of attachments to self, and that allows him to blend easily into a weave of identification with earth’s process of change: that spontaneous burgeoning forth of the ten thousand things. Li Po’s poems are suffused with the wonder of being part of this process. Their spontaneous movement enacts this identification, this belonging to earth in the fundamental sense of belonging to its processes. And at the same time, the poems are always rooted in a profound stillness, a stillness often found in his more meditative poems.

Genres: Poetry, China

236 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1922

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Older translation

If you choose to buy this book on kindle you're probably doing so for its brevity and low price. Just be warned, this is a translation from the 1910s so the poems don't land as well as newer translations (although most are still good) and the poems aren't given sufficient context in the book itself-- you have to have a passing knowledge of Tang dynasty history, Chinese geography, and mythology of the period. A newer edition of Li Po's poetry will provide a more complete read.
That said, if you just want an edition of his poems, this book is not a bad investment.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Chinese poetry.. beautiful, short, and sweet. Definitely worth checking out if you have even the smallest interest.

[Randy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Where are the snows of yester year?’ This is a famous line from the poet Francois Villon a Frenchman of the Middle Ages. Li Po, a Chinese from the eight century got there first. His poems capture that sense of time slipping away even as joy, romance and friendship flourish.

He was a court poet who experienced the ups and downs of royal favor as well as his own struggles with wine and lethargy- apparently. This volume translated by Shigeyoshi Obata does a good job curating Li Po’s work, giving it context and explaining that we should be suspicious of what is said we ‘know’ about the man.

Here is a sample that supports my yester year thesis:
‘There is not an hour but she, alone, unseen, Weeps- only to learn how futile all her tears are.’

[Solita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I wanted to acquaint myself with Li Po, because every poet I respect (it seems) knows about Li Po. This book has biographical information, historical background, the poems, as well as explanations regarding historical data and myths used in the poems.

I'll bet in his own language the poetry offers much, much more, because translations never quite get there. But these particular translations were lovely.

[Mesia Loriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so lovely

[Bob Panchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t mess with the master and his wine!

[Carla Botha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for students or anyone who wants to go back many many years before poetry became a “big deal”. Li Po shares the highs and lows of life and love in a variety of short and long poems mostly ending his poems in some form of an epiphany. Worth the read but it gets monotonous towards the end but a big mug of coffee will get you through to the last pages.

[Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

no western poet writes about nature or friendship like li bai

Edit: 01/24/2024
[Trying to review all the books I’ve marked read on Goodreads]
The only other poem I've read that talks about nature half as well is Tintern Abbey. Eventually, I'd like to read a newer translation with more information, but this collection was pretty good!!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the most romantic and humorous poetry I've known. Li Bai was romantic alcoholic that loved women and life. A must for anyone wanting to learn about this era during the Tang dynasty.

[madhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

all the birds have flown up and gone;
a lonely cloud floats leisurely by
we never tire of looking at each other-
only the mountain and i...

[Matt Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The simplicity of Li Po’s imagery and ruminations on life, loss, nature, and more is a love or hate sort of thing. There is no middle ground.