Quotes:
“A
slim, lovely volume. . . . These timeless poems, written about A.D. 200 by
the Chinese poet Lu Chi and translated by Sam Hamill, delve
into the heart of writing and remind us why the struggle to shape words
is worthwhile.”—Andrea Barrett, Cleveland Plain Dealer
“Originally
written around 200 A.D., The Art of Writing is China's first book
dedicated to the art of poetry. This work has long been considered one
of the most important literary works in the Chinese language and is of
interest to anyone wishing to understand and appreciate the literary
arts with keener insight. Faithfully translated by award-winning poet,
essayist and Chinese scholar, Sam Hamill.”—Writers' Network News
“Hamill
has reworked this classic Chinese ars poetica in a Western lyric mode,
make it not only acceessible but extremely attractive. Such subtitles
as 'Choosing Words,' 'Finding Form,' 'The Terror,' and 'The
Inspiration' will suggest its appeal.”—Beloit Poetry Journal
“A
precise and subtle guide to the principles of good poetry, written
around 200 A.D. This elegantly readable little book hardly seems
dated.”—Canadian Literature
“Hamill explains [that] wen means 'writing' or 'literature' in the generic sense; fu means 'form.' Lu
Chi, a soldier-scholar, left some 300 poems and essays. Wen Fu reflects
Lu Chi's philosophy and is said to reveal the relevance of 2nd-century
Chinese thought to today's readers.”—Pacific Citizen
“Lu Chi's The Art of Writing belongs on any writer's bookshelf.”—Small Press Book Review
TEACHERS' COMMENTS:
"On my required list for any writing class.”—Robert Pattengale, Moorhead State University, Moorhead, Minnesota
"[Puts] students in touch with a great mind from the past. . . . It
contradicts theorists who can’t tell the difference between a poem and
an advertisement.”—Maura Stanton, Indiana University, Bloomington
