The pursuit of modernity

Auf die Suche nach poetischer Modernität: Die Neue Lyrik Chinas nach 1919

※ Zhang Zao's doctoral dissertation in Germany is translated and published for the first time ※ An expert's history of modern poetry, an important text for us to reflect on Zhang Zao's poetic philosophy ※ Zhang Zao constructed his own logic of modern poetry history from experience, which can more clearly see the texture of Zhang Zao's poetry ※ The translation is precise and fluent, and deeply captures the essence of Zhang Zao's Chinese——————————
Introduction:
Drawing from the writing experiences of a contemporary poet, Zhang Zao constructs a personal logic for the history of modern poetry, tracing the development of modern Chinese poetry since 1919. While this monograph might be somewhat biased by strict academic standards, its brilliance lies precisely in this bias. Zhang Zao's critical and analytical interpretations of highly refined poets (Lu Xun, Wen Yiduo, Liang Zongdai, Bian Zhilin, Feng Zhi, Shi Zhi, and Bei Dao) and their works are rich in subtle insights, demonstrating his remarkable understanding of aesthetic modernity. This not only broadens our understanding of Zhang Zao's poetics but also adds a new perspective to conventional literary history.
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Editor's Recommendation:
■ A poet known for his economical language "crosses over" to write an academic monograph—what could be more extravagant than this? Zhang Zao puts on a serious face and discusses the history of poetry, but you can still glimpse the consistent poetic brilliance behind it, as well as the occasional grimace.
■ A unique history of modern Chinese poetry. This book offers insightful interpretations of the development and generational divisions of modern Chinese poetry, including those of Lu Xun, Wen Yiduo, Liang Zongdai, Bian Zhilin, Feng Zhi, Shi Zhi, Bei Dao, and "Post-Misty Poetry." You may not agree with it, but its insights will convince you that it is the work of a true connoisseur.
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Expert Comments:
I tend to view it as "authorial poetics." Poetry is a unique profession. Without experience in writing that connects one's own language, feelings, and imagination, analysis of poetic phenomena, poetic characteristics, and specific texts is undoubtedly a significant flaw. This is precisely the strength of Zhang Zao's paper. His sensibility, his writing, and his scholarship (especially his familiarity with the development of Western poetry since the 19th century) shine through in his commentary on the history of modern poetry. His analysis and interpretation of numerous poets and works, in particular, amazes us with his unique perspective.
——Hong Zicheng

This paper represents the interests, consciousness, and level of these two generations, transitions towards the future, and remembers the difficult journey of modern poetry. It provides everyone with a unique spiritual style and poetic text, so it is also very important.
——Zhong Ming

His doctoral dissertation was a poet's biased discussion of modern Chinese poetry. While this might not quite conform to modern academic norms, it perfectly suits the appetite of a voracious reader like me. I appreciate brilliant insights, even if they are biased, but I detest mediocre impartiality. Zhang Zao had a certain partiality, and within this partiality lies his unconventional wisdom.
——Jing Wendong

Zhang Zao's doctoral dissertation offers a unique perspective, crafted with his own unique mindset. However, Zhang Zao's arguments are self-consistent, making it easy to refute them. However, truly effective criticism requires a high level of critical thinking and the mobilization of extensive theoretical resources. These poetic perspectives deserve serious discussion, as Zhang Zao's vision is broader than ours, and his poetic sensitivity enables him to discern perspectives we might overlook. In short, for readers who admire Zhang Zao, this doctoral dissertation provides an additional research text that will significantly broaden our understanding of his poetry and poetics.
——Jiang Ruoshui

Compared to the poet's remarkable insight into aesthetic modernity, as displayed in the essay as a whole, and especially the numerous subtle insights he offers in his interpretation of the text, this is merely a minor flaw in a flawless piece of writing. I believe everyone—whether a poet, critic, or essayist—will find inspiration in Zhang Zao's discussion.
——Crossing the West

He often constructs his ideas through his interpretation of the work, forcefully drawing out a new interpretation. This is also the most fascinating and inspiring part. His analysis of Bei Dao, for example, has, to a certain extent, refreshed my understanding of the man. It's not just a judgment of literary history, but rather reflects a deeper and more productive poetic consciousness.
——Jiang Tao

The main value of this paper lies not in the rigor of its argumentative structure, but in the fact that through his writing experience, poetic insights and poetic beliefs, he has opened up some aspects of our understanding of the history of modern poetry, at least of several important poets in the history of modern poetry.
——Cold Frost

2020-08-01

四川文艺出版社

376

9787541157615