Cathay - A Cross-Cultural Journey Through Time and Poetry

Ezra Pound, Bai Li

Summary

Cathay stands as a monumental anthology, embodying Ezra Pounds innovative approach to translation and his profound influence on modern poetry. By bringing together ancient Chinese poems, including works attributed to the revered Bai Li, with Pound's distinct Imagist touch, this collection transcends mere translation, venturing into the realm of re-creation. It juxtaposes the succinct, evocative imagery characteristic of East Asian literature with the avant-garde sensibilities of early 20th-century Western poetics, offering readers a unique cross-cultural literary experience. The anthology highlights the nuanced ways themes of nature, solitude, and introspection are articulated, showcasing the diversity of human experience across time and geography. The contributing figures, Ezra Pound and the enigmatic Bai Li, represent distinct yet complementary literary traditions. Pound, a key figure in the Modernist movement, and Bai Li, an iconic Chinese poet, together illuminate the dialogic process of cultural exchange. This volume serves not only as a testament to Pounds role in introducing Chinese poetry to Western audiences but also as an embodiment of the global poetic heritage that continues to influence contemporary thought and art. Cathay is recommended not merely as a collection of translated Chinese poems but as a seminal work that bridges centuries, cultures, and poetic philosophies. Readers are invited to traverse this literary landscape to uncover the universality of human emotion and thought, reflected through the prism of Pounds and Bai Lis masterful works. This anthology promises an enlightening journey for those seeking to deepen their understanding of cross-cultural interactions in literary forms, offering a rich tapestry of imagery, emotion, and philosophical inquiry.

Available since: 11/21/2019.

Print length: 153 pages.

Poetry & Theatre

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