World Famous Comics: The Art of Writing: Lu Chi's Wen Fu
The Art of Writing: Lu Chi's Wen Fu
From: Milkweed Editions Publisher: Milkweed Editions Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Milkweed Editions Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 90 Publication Date: September 14, 2000
Product Description: Written in 200 C.E., the Wen Fu is one of the first Chinese works about the use of language. Discussing the joys and problems that face both writer and reader, it is for those who wish to engage the art of letters at its deepest level. "These timeless poems delve into the heart of writing." - Cleveland Plain Dealer Poet
Amazon.com Review: It's hard to believe that a book written around 200 A.D. can so poignantly cut to the quick of writing's agony and ecstasy. Everything that concerns the writer is beautifully addressed, from writer's block ("Sometimes the door remains bolted") to language's limitations ("all their real jewels cannot fill the cup I make of my fingers"), upwards to the writer's re-vision of themes ("a common song sung to a great melody is another way to find beauty") and the joy of creating ("in a single yard of silk, there is infinite space"). This book offers a fresh perspective out of an ancient text.
Nice Translation This is a good translation with a helpful introduction. I prefer Hamill's translation to the version in Barnstone and Ping's _Anchor Book of Chinese Poetry_; Hamill's translation has a lot of "space," for lack of a better term.
I plan on exposing my students to some of the advice here. For example, Lu Chi says, "Restrain verbosity, establish order;/ otherwise, further and further revision." I can't argue with that.
My only reservation about the book is that it's so expensive. For a few dollars more, you could get the Anchor book, which has highlights from the Wen Fu and much, much more.
This book would make a nice gift, though.
One for the backpack I've had this book for about three years. At the time that I bought it, the title was out of print and I had to buy it direct from the publisher, Milkweed Editions. Along with another classic, Basho's A Haiku Journey, this book never leaves my backpack. I pull them out to free my mind and get me back on track. A must for any writer.
Terry Bowman, author of unReQuiTed
When the pupil is ready, the teacher will come.
A few days ago I told someone that I wanted to be able to write more like Lao Tzu. Humility is not one of my stronger suits... That I wanted to be able to write as profoundly and yet concisely as the "OldBoy" himself... I can dream can't I? Today while looking at a book about Thoreau at a local bookstore "Wen Fu" caught my attention. I openned it and discovered that it had been written in the third century by Lu Chi, a soldier-poet. That the "Wen Fu" is a book about the art of writing poetry and intended for those who wish to engage the art of letters at its deepest levels. It discusses the joys and problems that face both writer and reader and provides basic insights about many techniques of this style of writing. The more I read the better it got. It is a book about having the courage of your convictions where writing is concerned.
Sam Hamill's Introduction is excellent at setting up Lu Chi's "Wen Fu". I found it very helpful in understanding and appreciating Lu Chi's words about words.
"Consider the use of letters. All principles demand them.
Though they travel a thousand miles or more, nothing in this world can stop them.
They traverse the thousands of years."
The art of writing is about using words as much as they use us.
after Aristotle and Sun Tzu, meet Lu Chi Well, you know the saying, the pen is mightier than the sword, so I guess Lu Chi is mightier than Sun Tzu. This book was written about 1700 years ago by a Chinese noble.
The words are very inspiring and quite beautiful. This is a writer's book, one to own if you are a writer, or one to give as a gift that will be appreciated, if you want to make a writer happy.
Here's a sample:
"Caught between the unborn and the living, a writer struggles to maintain both depth and surface."
and
on rewriting:
"Perhaps only a single blossom from the whole bouquet will bloom."
This is a very short book, but one you will revisit.
Inspiration This beautiful book is an inspiring resource for writers and anyone who is touched by creatvity. I return to its pages of wisdom again and again for guidance as I try to write. It is a classic that must be in every library. I have purchased several to give to friends.
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