A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems

"A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems" by Arthur Waley is a collection of Chinese poetry translated into English, written in the early 20th century. The book presents a selection of traditional Chinese poems, emphasizing their beauty and cultural significance, showcasing themes of love, friendship, nature, and the human condition. Waley's goal is to bring the essence of these ancient works to a broader audience who may not have access to the original language or context. At the start of the collection, Waley provides a preliminary note explaining his approach to translation, citing his intent to focus on previously untranslated poems while also offering reconstructions of works that have existing translations but are flawed. The opening section includes a glimpse of various poems that will appear later in the book, touching upon different aspects of life and emotions—from battles and separation to nature and nostalgia—each rich in imagery and sentiment. This establishes a foundation for the reader to appreciate the depth and variety of Chinese poetic tradition that Waley captures in this anthology.