Tang Shi San Bai Shou (Three Hundred Tang Poems) in the English-Speaking World

This book examines six English translations of Tang Shi San Bai Shou (Three Hundred Tang Poems), the renowned anthology of Tang poetry, and explores the challenges and strategies involved in conveying the essence of classical Chinese poetry to an English-speaking audience. As a classic anthology, Tang Shi San Bai Shou captures the linguistic features, unique expressions and traditional culture of ancient Chinese verse. Since its publication in the Qing dynasty, it has circulated widely in China and extended its influence to the English-speaking world, with a rich history of translation and dissemination. This book unravels the complexities of translating classical Chinese poetry and highlights the different approaches taken by translators of different periods and backgrounds by comparing six complete translations. The book discusses the linguistic, cultural and artistic characteristics of Tang poetry, and readers can see how these challenges and the gaps between ancient Chinese poetry and modern English audiences are bridged by the ongoing efforts of translators. Scholars and students of classical Chinese literature and translation studies, as well as Chinese-English translators and Chinese poetry enthusiasts, will find this book a useful reference. Readers interested in Chinese culture will be led into the poetic world of ancient China.

Hu Xiaoying is an Associate Professor at the School of Languages, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, China. Her research focuses on the translation and dissemination of Tang poetry.

1. Introduction 2. Poems of infinite interpretations: Linguistic features and multiple possible interpretations of Tang Shi San Bai Shou 3. Afterlife abroad: The translation history of Tang Shi San Bai Shou in the English-speaking countries 4. Two mirrors reflecting one another: A close reading of the English versions of Tang Shi San Bai Shou 5. Recreation by translation: The image of Tang Shi San Bai Shou in the English-speaking countries constructed through translation 6. Conclusion