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The Shih King, or, Book of Poetry   By: (1815-1897)

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The Shih King, translated by James Legge, is an extraordinary collection of ancient Chinese poetic works. Legge does an admirable job in presenting this valuable piece of literature to an English-speaking audience, successfully capturing the depth and beauty of the original material.

The book is divided into several sections, each containing a unique genre of poetry, such as hymns, odes, and songs. This structure allows the reader to explore the various themes and emotions expressed throughout ancient Chinese culture. Legge’s translation elegantly portrays the essence of these works, making them accessible to modern-day readers while retaining their inherent charm.

What truly sets this translation apart is Legge’s diligence in providing detailed footnotes and explanations. His scholarly annotations enhance the overall reading experience, shedding light on the historical and cultural context of each poem. Additionally, the inclusion of different versions and variations of the same poem offers a deeper understanding of the malleability of ancient Chinese literature.

Legge's translation style reflects his deep respect for the original text, striving to remain true to its nuances and structures. While his use of archaic language may prove challenging for some readers, it undoubtedly contributes to the authenticity of the work. Legge's attention to detail is evident in his efforts to preserve the original rhyme and rhythm, carefully reproducing the musicality of the ancient verses.

The Shih King is not merely a collection of poems but also a window into the history and traditions of ancient China. Through the verses, readers gain valuable insights into the society, values, and beliefs of that era. Legge’s extensive commentary further supplements this exploration, providing additional layers of understanding and appreciation.

Although The Shih King may not be a familiar literary work to many, James Legge's translation ensures that it is accessible and engaging. His meticulous attention to detail, comprehensive annotations, and faithful rendition of the original poetry make this edition a must-read for anyone interested in ancient Chinese literature. Legge's dedication to preserving the essence of these timeless poems is commendable, and his translation stands as a worthy contribution to the field.

First Page:

THE SHIH KING

OR

BOOK OF POETRY:

ALL THE PIECES AND STANZAS IN IT ILLUSTRATING THE RELIGIOUS VIEWS AND PRACTICES OF THE WRITERS AND THEIR TIMES.

Translated by

James Legge

From the Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 3

First Published 1879

Scanned at www.sacred texts.com August September 2000

THE SHIH KING

OR

BOOK OF POETRY.

INTRODUCTION.

CHAPTER I.

THE NAME AND CONTENTS OF THE CLASSIC.

1. Among the Chinese classical books next after the Shû in point of antiquity comes the Shih or Book of Poetry.

The meaning of the character Shih.

The character Shû, as formed by the combination of two others, one of which signified 'a pencil,' and the other 'to speak,' supplied, we saw in its structure, an indication of its primary significance, and furnished a clue to its different applications. The character Shih was made on a different principle, that of phonetical formation, in the peculiar sense of these words when applied to a large class of Chinese terms. The significative portion of it is the character for 'speech,' but the other half is merely phonetical, enabling us to approximate to its pronunciation or name. The meaning of the compound has to be learned from its usage... Continue reading book >>




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