Description

This is a beautiful, illustrated hardback book of translations of the poetry of Ma Zhiyuan, with detailed commentary on his poems. Ma Zhiyuan lived (1250–1321) at a time when China, for the first time in its history, came under the complete control of an alien regime – the Mongols.  Among his achievements was the development and popularising of the new san qu lyric form of poetry. It was a fascinating time in Chinese history and Ma Zhiyuan’s verse is a quite marvellous reflection of the period as well as being beautiful and informative in its own right. Wonderful to give as a gift.

About the author, Clifford Pannam QC:  He is a senior Melbourne barrister of paternal Greek origin who has a deep and continuing interest in China and its language, and the classical history of both of these countries. The essays, commentaries and poems (in translation) in this book reflect the variety of the author’s interests.
Admirers of Clifford Pannam’s translations will also enjoy The Poetry of Li Yu and Music from a Jade Flute.