Words as Grain: New and Selected Poems

Words as Grain is a collection of Zen koan-like poems by Duo Duo, one of China's most acclaimed poets. It responds to the Chinese political landscape from the Cultural Revolution to the Tiananmen Square tragedy, and is written from the vantage point of exile abroad or in his homeland. The collection features nearly five decades of work, and is translated by award-winning translator Lucas Klein.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

Longlisted for the prestigious 2022 PEN Award for Poetry in Translation, this authoritative and captivating new collection by one of China's most celebrated poets is a true delight to read. "Words as Grain" presents Zen-like poems that demand repeated readings and introspection. As the poet himself aptly remarks in "Reading Great Poems," let the dialogue between thought and silence continue. We are fortunate to be witnesses to this sustained and profound exchange.

While maintaining a deliberate distance from literary trends and labels, Duo Duo has firmly established himself as one of the world's preeminent poets. His poems respond to the Chinese political landscape, spanning from the Cultural Revolution to the tragic events of Tiananmen Square and beyond. Some are written from the perspective of exile abroad, while others are penned in his homeland, but all share a longing for authentic expression, a sense of place, and the essence of language. In meticulous renderings by award-winning translator Lucas Klein, this comprehensive anthology showcases Duo Duo's entire oeuvre since his return to China in 2004, along with a representative selection of his earlier poems, spanning nearly five decades of his artistic journey. This collection offers a captivating glimpse into the evolution of one of the most vibrant poets at work today, within a specific historical context and cultural tradition.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 135 x 204 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300227390