"A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems" serves as a comprehensive anthology that delves into the rich tapestry of Chinese poetic tradition, encompassing various dynasties and styles. The collection showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Chinese poets, from the terse elegance of Classical verse to the evocative imagery characteristic of Tang poetry. With meticulous attention to the nuances of language, the poems illustrate not only the aesthetic beauty of their form but also the philosophic...

The classic Chinese novel: "Imagine a combination of picaresque novel, fairy tale, fabliau, Mickey Mouse, Davy Crockett, and Pilgrim's Progress" ( The Nation).Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic sixteenth-century novel is a combination of picaresque novel and folk epic that mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking adventure. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and...

The classic Chinese novel: “Imagine a combination of picaresque novel, fairy tale, fabliau, Mickey Mouse, Davy Crockett, and Pilgrim’s Progress” (The Nation). Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic sixteenth-century novel is a combination of picaresque novel and folk epic that mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking adventure. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and minor spirits, gods, demigods, demons, ogr...

First published in 1934, this translation of Lao Tzu's Tao Tê Ching—unlike previous translations—is based not on the medieval commentaries, but on a close study of the whole of early Chinese literature.The Tao Tê Ching, along with the Zhuangzi, is a fundamental text for both philosophical and religious Taoism, and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism, Confucianism, and Chinese Buddhism. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners...

''The Way and Its Power: A Study of the Tao Tê Ching and Its Place in Chinese Thought'' is a seminal work by renowned British sinologist and translator Arthur Waley. Originally published in 1934, the book is widely celebrated as one of the most authoritative, scholarly English translations of Lao Tzu’s ancient text, the Tao Te Ching. Waley’s treatment of the text remains unique and influential due to several distinct characteristics: Unlike many translations before it that relied heavily o...

The No Plays of Japan is a collection and translation by Arthur Waley that introduces the Western world to the traditional Japanese Noh drama. Noh, a theatrical form that originated in the 14th century, is known for its slow, stylized movements, minimalistic staging, and deep philosophical themes. Waley's translation includes a selection of Noh plays that reflect the spiritual and poetic nature of the genre, often focusing on themes of love, death, and the supernatural.The collection inclu...

In Zen Buddhism and Its Relation to Art, Arthur Waley explores the profound connections between Zen Buddhist philosophy and artistic expression. The work delves into how Zen principles—such as simplicity, spontaneity, and mindfulness—manifest in various art forms, including painting, poetry, and calligraphy. Waley articulates the idea that Zen encourages an aesthetic of direct experience and authenticity, where the artist seeks to convey an immediate perception of reality rather than an id...

"The Poet Li Po" is a captivating collection that brings to life the works of the renowned Tang dynasty poet Li Po, also known as Li Bai. His poetry is celebrated for its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and exploration of themes such as nature, friendship, and the joys of wine. Arthur Waley's translation captures the essence of Li Po's lyrical genius, making it accessible to modern readers. The collection showcases the beauty of classical Chinese poetry and invites readers to immerse thems...

Chapters include: Zen Buddhism; Buddhist Sects; Buddhapriya; Later Development of Zen; The Zen Masters; Fashionable Zen; Obaku; Baso; Rinzai; Zen and Art; and, The Rokutsuji School.Books on the Far East often mention a sect of Buddhism called Zen. They say that it was a "school of abstract meditation" and that it exercised a profound influence upon art and literature; but they tell us very little about what Zen actually was, about its relation to ordinary Buddhism, its history, or the exac...

In "Zen Buddhism, and Its Relation to Art," Arthur Waley presents a nuanced exploration of how Zen philosophy intricately informs artistic expression. Utilizing a blend of scholarly analysis and lyrical prose, Waley examines the essential principles of Zen'—such as spontaneity, simplicity, and an appreciation for transience'—and how they manifest in various art forms, especially in Japanese culture. His work is contextualized within broader discussions of Eastern philosophies and their imp...

Arthur Waley's "The Nō Plays of Japan" serves as an insightful exploration into the intricate world of Nō theater, melding poetic translation with meticulous cultural analysis. With a focus on select plays, Waley deftly captures the meditative essence and aesthetics of the genre, elucidating the profound spiritual themes that underpin these performances. His literary style intertwines lyrical prose with detailed annotations, reflecting both the richness of language and the complexity of Ja...

The Poet Li Po, A.D. 701-762 presents a compact yet resonant encounter with one of Tang China's most celebrated poetic imaginations, mediated through Arthur Waley's lucid modern translations. The collection gathers lyrics of wine, exile, friendship, moonlight, political disappointment, and ecstatic wandering, revealing a voice at once courtly and untamed. Its range moves from epigrammatic delicacy to visionary expansiveness, situating Li Po within the golden age of Chinese poetry while mak...