The Poetry and Prose of Wang Wei, Volume I, edited by Christopher M. B. Nugent, is a comprehensive collection of Wang Wei's works, including both his poems and prose, translated by Paul Rouzer. The book is part of the Library of Chinese Humanities series and was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. It includes a detailed table of contents with sections on old-style poems and recent-style poems, covering a wide range of themes and styles. The introduction provides an overview of Wang Wei's significance in Chinese literature, noting his international reputation and the influence of his poetry on both Chinese and global audiences. Wang Wei, a key figure of the High Tang period, is recognized for his ability to blend natural landscapes with philosophical and spiritual reflections. His poetry often features a reclusive figure in nature, capturing the essence of traditional Chinese landscape painting. The text highlights his versatility as a poet, capable of producing high-quality works in various forms, from long yuefu ballads to regulated verse. The introduction also discusses the challenges of interpreting Wang Wei's work, noting that while he is often associated with nature poetry, his oeuvre encompasses a broader range of themes, including social interactions, Buddhist philosophy, and political commentary. The book aims to provide a complete and accessible translation of Wang Wei's works, offering readers a deeper understanding of his life, style, and the cultural context in which he wrote. The text emphasizes the importance of considering Wang Wei's social and contextual influences, as well as the role of his poetry in maintaining public and private relationships. The introduction concludes with a discussion of Wang Wei's legacy, his influence on later poets, and the ongoing relevance of his work in both Chinese and international literary traditions.The Poetry and Prose of Wang Wei, Volume I, edited by Christopher M. B. Nugent, is a comprehensive collection of Wang Wei's works, including both his poems and prose, translated by Paul Rouzer. The book is part of the Library of Chinese Humanities series and was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. It includes a detailed table of contents with sections on old-style poems and recent-style poems, covering a wide range of themes and styles. The introduction provides an overview of Wang Wei's significance in Chinese literature, noting his international reputation and the influence of his poetry on both Chinese and global audiences. Wang Wei, a key figure of the High Tang period, is recognized for his ability to blend natural landscapes with philosophical and spiritual reflections. His poetry often features a reclusive figure in nature, capturing the essence of traditional Chinese landscape painting. The text highlights his versatility as a poet, capable of producing high-quality works in various forms, from long yuefu ballads to regulated verse. The introduction also discusses the challenges of interpreting Wang Wei's work, noting that while he is often associated with nature poetry, his oeuvre encompasses a broader range of themes, including social interactions, Buddhist philosophy, and political commentary. The book aims to provide a complete and accessible translation of Wang Wei's works, offering readers a deeper understanding of his life, style, and the cultural context in which he wrote. The text emphasizes the importance of considering Wang Wei's social and contextual influences, as well as the role of his poetry in maintaining public and private relationships. The introduction concludes with a discussion of Wang Wei's legacy, his influence on later poets, and the ongoing relevance of his work in both Chinese and international literary traditions.