Chinese Poetry and Translation

"Together the essays in Chinese Poetry and Translation give voice to a wonderful group of poets, scholars, and translators, many of whom wear multiple hats. It is a good introduction to the range of issues – from equivalence to local/national identity – central to studies of poetry in cross-cultural contexts. The main currents and counter-currents weaving across the essays mirror the debates and contentions that have constantly flared up over the translation of poetry into and out of China. Poetry may be a marginalized cultural terrain that (in van Crevel’s words) ‘no one cares about’ in today’s world, but this promises great freedom and agency, and it remains an embodiment of pure spiritual value that for this very reason touches closely on power and politics."
- Wen Jin, East China Normal University, Shanghai, Translation and Literature, 30.3 (2021)

"This is a very rich collection of essays showcasing a range of approaches to the study and practice of Chinese poetry translation. [...] In addition to the valuable research presented in most of the chapters, this book should also be highly useful for teaching about Chinese poetry, and for getting students to think about what it means to translate, or to read in translation."
- Michel Hockx, Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, Modern Chinese Literature and Culture (2021)

"The fascinating, diverse essays in this collection shed new light on the complexities of Chinese poetry and translation. They are both entertaining and erudite, a rare combination."
- Susan Bassnett, University of Warwick and University of Glasgow

"Ambitious in scope and delightful to read, this book perceptively traces the dynamic, multi-directional interchange between languages and cultures that allows us to become visible and legible to one another."
- Géraldine Fiss, University of Southern California