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 Review
A 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 *

Just a Song

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    A Hardback by Stephen Owen

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      Book details

      Publisher Harvard University Press
      Published 3 January 2019
      ISBN-13 9780674987128
      978-0674987128
      ISBN-10 0674987128
      Also in:
      ELT & Literary Studies Literary studies: ancient, classical

      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 Review
      A 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 *

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