Ezra Pound and the Appropriation of Chinese Poetry Cathay, Translation, and Imagism

First published in 1999. The subject of this book is the translation and appropriation of Chinese poetry by some English and American writers in the early decades of this century. The author explores the be concerned as much with English translation of Chinese poetry per se as with the relationship between this body of translation from the Chinese and the developing poetics and practices of what is usually referred to as "Imagism," as much with the question of historical influence or ascription as with certain interpretive and critical aspects of this correlative relationship. Focusing on the direct influence of Chinese poetry upon the theory and practice of Imagism, attributing to Imagist poets in general and Ezra Pound in particular the perception in Chinese poetry of the essential qualities and principles for rejuvenating English poetry in the early decades of the century.