The works of Li Po, the Chinese poet

by Li Bai, Shigeyoshi Obata

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Genres: Poetry, China

236 pages, Nook

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

Li Bai (Chinese: 李白, 701–762), also known as Li Bo or Li Taibai, was one of the most celebrated poets of the Tang dynasty and remains one of the greatest poets in Chinese history. Renowned for his romanticism, vivid imagery, and effortless flow, his poetry has captivated readers for over a millennium. Alongside Du Fu, he is considered a towering figure of classical Chinese poetry. His works reflect a deep appreciation for nature, the joys and sorrows of life, and a fascination with Daoist philosophy, all infused with an unmistakable sense of personal freedom and spontaneity.
Born in 701 CE, likely in Suyab (modern-day Kyrgyzstan) or what is now Gansu province, China, Li Bai spent his early years in Sichuan, where his family relocated during his childhood. Growing up in an era of expansion and cultural flourishing, he received a broad education that included classical literature, Daoist philosophy, and swordsmanship. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he never sat for the imperial examinations, choosing instead a life of travel and poetic expression. From a young age, he embraced a wandering lifestyle, traveling extensively across China and seeking the company of scholars, recluses, and Daoist mystics. His poetry from this period often reflects themes of solitude, the beauty of the natural world, and a longing for spiritual transcendence.
As his reputation as a poet grew, he attracted the admiration of influential figures and was eventually invited to the imperial court of Emperor Xuanzong around 742 CE. There, he enjoyed a brief period of favor, composing poetry for the emperor and mingling with the elite. However, his free-spirited nature and disdain for courtly formalities led to conflicts with powerful officials, and he was soon dismissed from the court, resuming his wandering existence.
Li Bai’s poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty, spontaneity, and emotional depth. He drew inspiration from nature, Daoist philosophy, and personal experiences, often reflecting on themes of longing, exile, and the fleeting nature of life. Wine and revelry frequently appear in his verses as symbols of transcendence. His mastery of poetic form, including fu (rhapsodic prose-poetry) and yuefu (folk-style poetry), set him apart as a poetic genius. Some of his most famous works include Drinking Alone Under the Moon, a meditation on solitude and the companionship of nature; Hard is the Road to Shu, a dramatic depiction of the perilous journey to Sichuan; and Quiet Night Thoughts, a simple yet profoundly evocative poem about homesickness.
During the An Lushan Rebellion, which erupted in 755 and plunged the Tang Dynasty into turmoil, Li Bai became entangled in the political conflict by aligning himself with Prince Yong, a rival claimant to the throne. When the prince’s rebellion failed, Li Bai was arrested and sentenced to exile in what is now Guizhou. He was later pardoned and continued his travels, but his final years were marked by declining health. He died in 762 CE, reportedly from illness, though legend has it that he drowned while trying to embrace the reflection of the moon in a river—a fitting myth for a poet so enraptured by the beauty of the world.
Li Bai’s poetry has endured for over a thousand years, influencing countless poets and remaining a cornerstone of Chinese literature. His works continue to be widely read and studied, celebrated for their unrestrained imagination, emotional resonance, and philosophical insight. His legacy as a poet of boundless spirit and artistic brilliance ensures that his verses still inspire generations of readers and writers across the world.

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.