Nostalgia

Professor Zhang Guangkui's Nostalgia represents a landmark achievement in the translation of Chinese poetry into English. This carefully curated anthology spans the centuries from Li Bai's immortal "Nostalgia" to the groundbreaking works of modern masters like Lu Xun, Guo Moruo, Xu Zhimo, Wen Yiduo, Dai Wangshu, and Bian Zhilin. The translations display remarkable sensitivity to both form and content, adopting an image-centered approach for classical poetry that breathes new life into ancient verses while remaining true to their original spirit. Modern poems are rendered with equal care; their linguistic vitality and emotional resonance preserved through Zhang's deft handling of English prosody. Throughout the collection, special attention is paid to recreating the musical qualities that give Chinese poetry its distinctive cadence and rhythm. A testament to the translator's profound understanding of both Chinese and English poetic traditions, this collection opens fresh pathways for English readers to experience the beauty and depth of Chinese verse. Zhang's work strikes that rare balance between scholarly fidelity and creative reinterpretation, successfully bridging cultural divides to reveal the universal aesthetic values at the heart of China's poetic heritage.