Having met a gentleman

Reading poetry from the past is also a way of speaking about the present. While birds, beasts, and plants abound in poetry, they are always reflections of the human world. Kites soaring, fish leaping, represent the human realm; millet and sorghum bloom, represent human emotions. Arousing and observing the grievances of the masses, serving one's father and one's ruler—these are all deeply human affairs, each grounded in an understanding and appreciation of the past. Therefore, this book strives to enrich and ground one's own present life by exploring and discussing some of the finest classical poets.
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I first picked it up, then read it through completely. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes I recall the time I drafted "Shijing Biecai" (The Book of Poetry) over a decade ago, and I feel a striking resemblance to my own mindset. Yet, it's been a long time since I've read poetry this way. I envy and even admire the encounter with the ancients, the thoughtfulness and caring imagination. Though it's personal, I couldn't help but quietly tagged along, becoming a voyeur on the encounter, and it brought a wave of joy.
—Yang Zhishui (Researcher at the Institute of Literature, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)
The author writes about the poems and people of the past, yet also narrates the present. Poetry not only allows us to "learn the names of birds, beasts, plants, and trees," but also confirms the absences in our lives. Translating one's own poetic experience into such an authentic narrative is admirable, imbued with a touch of innocence, a touch of inspiration, and a profound and delicate sense of heart and emotion.
——Li Qingxi (Executive Editorial Board Member of Book City Magazine)
Before these writings were collected and published in a book, I collected them one by one, printed them out, and took them to work. You see the author articulate your deepest pain and helplessness; you see how generations of great and profound souls have navigated the world; you understand that these are necessary paths, and you will cross these bridges to reach a wider world. It's hard to say much more about a book like this, other than to read, excerpt, and reflect. I'm not stingy with the word "best"—it's the best book on classical poetry and poets I've ever read, and every piece in it is a truly memorable piece.
——Xiao Haiou (reader)
I've always wanted to discuss the poetry and figures of bygone eras, not as a literary critic or as a textual critic revising the past. I'm certainly not qualified to engage in something like Johnson's "Lives of the Poets," nor do I feel it would be of any use to me. If I were to insist on exploring the essence of my approach, I might draw an analogy with Tao Yuanming's line, "How I wish I could sit down and tell of his life." T.S. Eliot begins "Andrew Marvell" with the line, "There is no revisiting the past here; we discuss him only for our own benefit." Professor Zhang Wenjiang, discussing the Zen master Danxia Tianran, said, "It is we who are amused." Their words have paved a path for me, but I'm not sure where it will lead.
——Zhang Dinghao (author of this book)

2014-01-01

华东师范大学出版社

190

9787567509030