Taken to Heart: 70 poems from the Chinese

The seventy poems are a collection of classical Chinese poetry, spanning over a thousand years, that convey beauty and simplicity in depicting an astounding landscape. They are used as a teaching tool in Chinese schools to introduce students to Mandarin and Chinese literary history. The poems are translated line by line to preserve their emotional state and musical values.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2022
Publisher: White Pine Press

These seventy poems are truly masterpieces, drawn from over a thousand years of classical Chinese poetry. The perfect blend of beauty and simplicity creates an astounding landscape that captivates with its enchanting details and breathtaking vastness. These poems serve as an anthology, presented to Chinese school children as a valuable text to aid their Mandarin instruction and introduce them to the rich literary heritage of China. These poems are considered the pinnacle of Chinese poetry, spanning from the Han Dynasty to the Qing. We have dedicated ourselves to capturing the emotional essence and musical qualities of the originals. Instead of jumbling lines within individual poems, we chose to translate them line by line, ensuring a seamless and coherent translation experience.

Introduction:
These seventy poems are a testament to the enduring legacy of classical Chinese poetry. Spanning a millennium, they encapsulate the highest artistic achievements of China's rich literary history. The poems are not just mere literary works; they are also a valuable tool for education, serving as a text to teach Mandarin to Chinese school children and introduce them to the country's profound literary heritage.
Beauty and Simplicity:
One of the most striking features of these poems is the perfect balance between beauty and simplicity. The poets have skillfully crafted a landscape that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The use of concise and evocative language allows the reader to immerse themselves in the world of the poem, while the intricate details and vivid imagery bring the scene to life.
An Anthology:
The seventy poems are organized into an anthology, providing a comprehensive view of Chinese poetry over the centuries. Each poem is carefully selected to showcase the unique styles and themes of different poets and periods. The anthology serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Chinese poetry and its cultural significance.
Representative of Chinese Poetry:
These seventy poems are considered representative of the highest poetic achievements from the Han Dynasty to the Qing. They encompass a wide range of styles and themes, from the romantic and elegiac to the philosophical and political. The poets have used their words to convey complex emotions, explore profound ideas, and capture the essence of Chinese culture and society.
Translational Approach:
To ensure the accuracy and integrity of the translation, we have taken a meticulous line-by-line approach. We have strived to mirror the emotional state and the musical values of the originals, preserving the essence of the poetry in its translated form. Our goal has been to provide a seamless and enjoyable reading experience for English-speaking readers, allowing them to appreciate the beauty and depth of these ancient poems.
Conclusion:
These seventy poems are a treasure trove of literary excellence, offering a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of classical Chinese poetry. They are a testament to the enduring power of words and the ability of poetry to transcend time and culture. By translating these poems with care and dedication, we hope to bring the beauty and wisdom of Chinese poetry to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this remarkable art form.

Dimension: 127 x 177 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781945680588