Li Po and Tu Fu (Penguin Classics)

The poetic tradition of the Tang dynasty is chiefly dominated by two figures - and their influence even on such modern poets as Ezra Pound has been enormous. While Li Po’s delicate writing explores the sensual life of the natural world, Tu Fu’s work provides a sharp counterpoint, exposing the earthy realities of everyday life, and exploring the range of human experience with humor, grace and compassion. Lovingly translated by Arthur Cooper, the poems selected for inclusion in Li Po and Tu Fu are a wonderful introduction to the work of these two great masters. 249 pages.