How to Read Chinese Poetry

This comprehensive guide offers a structured journey through the vast landscape of Chinese verse, from ancient classics to modern works, with expert scholars leading readers through each major era and poetic form. The anthology organizes more than 140 exemplary poems—including shi, sao, fu, ci, and qu—into six chronological sections, providing a clear historical framework. A detailed introduction and thematic table of contents illuminate the core formal and prosodic features, making the intricate art of Chinese poetic analysis accessible.

What sets this volume apart is its "guided" approach, where each chapter is authored by a specialist in that specific period or genre, offering deep, focused insight rather than a generalized overview. This structure is ideal for students and serious readers seeking to move beyond simple appreciation to a genuine understanding of poetic technique and historical context. The book ultimately serves as a master key, unlocking the rich thematic and structural complexities of one of the world's oldest and most continuous poetic traditions.