Rediscovering Wen Tingyun: A Historical Key to a Poetic Labyrinth(SUNY series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture)

In this book, Huaichuan Mou takes a fresh look at the life, times, and work of Wen Tingyun, the great poet of the late Tang dynasty in China, whose reputation has been overshadowed by notoriety and misunderstanding for more than a thousand years. In probing the political intricacies of the major events of Wen's life and the complex contexts in which these events took place, Mou presents a historical key to Wen's artistic labyrinth, unraveling many of Wen's poetic puzzles and rediscovering a historical past that vividly represents his unyielding pursuit of ideal government and true love. This reconstruction of the poet's life results in a new understanding not only of his literary work but also of late Tang history as well. Translations and close readings of a number of poems and prose essays are included.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Abbreviations Introduction The Time of Wen Tingyun: Rampant Eunuch Power The Study of Wen Tingyun: Lasting Historical Prejudices Is Wen Tingyun Writing Another's Dream? 1. Family Background Clan Origin and Native Place Remaining Prestige of an Aristocratic Family Special Social Connections 2. Wen's Birth Year A Most Abstruse Allusion to the Eunuchs The Year of Having the Way and Epistle Presented to Prime Minister Pei Other "Circumstantial Evidence" 3. Before the Year of "Having No Doubts" Days of Diligent Studies Far Wanderings and Wen Zao Journey along the River and Friendship with Buddhist Monks 4. Wen's Marriage--A Case of Scandal Relationship with Wang Ya An Initial Investigation of the Jianghuai Incident Further Study and Clarification of the Incident 5. Secret Attendance upon the Heir Apparent Introductory Remarks Clues Found in Wen's Works Evidence Elicited from a Study of Two Epistles The Hidden Story in Hundred-Rhyme Poem 6. Mystifying Poetry An Enigma of the Sphinx Theory Guiding Wen's Poetic Composition More Examples 7. Changing Name and Taking the Examination "Equivalent to Passing" Yet "Failed to Pass" The Change of Name Wen's Afterthought 8. Highlights during the Dazhong Era Complications in Wen's Frustrated Efforts The Truth of the Fourteen Pusaman Conclusion Appendix Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Huaichuan Mou is Lecturer in Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia.

Review :
"I admire the author's breadth of reference and familiarity with the history of the late Tang period and his impressive erudition and literary sensitivity which enable him to decipher the complex allusions used in Wen's literary work. The reader will walk away with an enriched understanding of the Chinese literary tradition. A major contribution to the field."