Translations of Chinese poetry by a modernist master
POUND, Ezra. Cathay. London: Elkin Mathews, 1915.~i~
8vo. Original wrappers printed in black; outer edge untrimmed; pp. 32; minimal toning to wrappers and paper stock; a few minor spots to text, else fine.
First edition, limited to 1000 copies [Gallup A9].
Cathay is a collection of Chinese poetry translated by Pound, 'for the most part from the Chinese of Rihaku, from the notes of the late Ernest Fenollosa, and the decipherings of the professors Mori and Ariga' (title). Rather than providing direct translations, Pound's work in Cathay offers an adaptation, involving a more creative and interpretive approach, aiming to capture the essence and emotion of the original poems. This collection had a considerable influence on modernist poetry, introducing Western writers and readers to the aesthetic and philosophical qualities of Chinese poetry, as well as influencing poets to explore a range of new forms and styles.
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