Beyond spring : tzʻu poems of the Sung dynasty /

Several of the 150 pieces appearing in this volume have been published in well-known North American and Asian journals over the past decade. In Beyond Spring, Julie Landau presents tz'u (song lyric) poetry by 15 of the greatest poets of the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries, the golden period of the genre. Her translations are a true pleasure to read: the words and the flow both seem natural in English, and damage to the original words and flow is minimized. The translator's introduction gives a concise and sensitive overview of tz'u poetry and how it fits into the great tradition; it is followed by the brief "Introduction to Symbols and Allusions," which, together with a glossary at the end, allows for fewer footnotes and more enjoyment of the poems themselves. Also appended are brief biographical notes on all the poets and a finding list of alternate texts. The beauty of the book is enhanced by a generous number of reproductions of calligraphy and paintings that embody the spirit of traditional Chinese literature. General; undergraduate; professional. J. W. Walls; Simon Fraser University

YA‘At first glance, Beyond Spring is an erudite and esoteric collection of Chinese poetry written over 1000 years ago. It has a substantial introduction to the origins of t'zu with brief biographies of the poets, a list of alternate texts, and an explanation of illustrations. But after one begins reading Landau's remarkable translations, one hears the echoes of modern-day lyrics and realizes that these selections are accessible and relevant to young people. ``When first I saw her/To the ring of the melody's opening bars/She came dancing, waist spinning red confusion.'' ``You take my hands‘I see your tears through mine/Words, futile catch in my throat.'' The emotions of love and heartbreak are radiantly expressed. This anthology will not be sought out by YAs, but with some recommendations from a good librarian, it will win a following.‘Beth Gourley, Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.