Description
Book Synopsis“Song Lyric,”
ci, is one of the most loved forms of Chinese poetry, radically distinct from “Classical Poetry,”
shi. Stephen Owen examines song lyric’s literary traditions, including its origins, major writers and collections, and development into a genre, while offering a new hypothesis on the relationship between song practice and written text.
Trade ReviewA milestone in the study of the lyric in China and essential reading for the field. …the book becomes a delightful companion to be visited often. -- Stuart Sargent * Journal of the American Oriental Society *
Innovatively, Owen’s approach to Song lyrics in this book suggests a way to read lyrics as not just musical performances, as they were originally intended, but as textual performances. … In effect, Owen presents a hand scroll of Song dynasty lyricists painted with their own voice. -- Lanlan Kuang * China Review International *
