A Lute of Jade : Selections from the Classical Poets of China

A Lute of Jade: Selections from the Classical Poets of China, by L. Cranmer-Byng, is an anthology of Chinese poetry presented in English. The volume offers selected works associated particularly with the Tang dynasty, often described as a high point in Chinese literary history. In its opening, the book provides historical context for the development of Chinese verse, tracing how earlier traditions lead toward the celebrated achievements of the Tang period. Throughout the selections, readers encounter recurring themes such as love, sadness, nature, and deeper reflections on existence. The introduction also highlights major poets including Li Po and Tu Fu, considering how their feelings and experiences are shaped by both personal concerns and the realities of political life.