The Pulse of Wang Wei
The Pulse of Wang Wei by David Du, published by MacKenzie Publishing on June 20, 2019, is a thoughtful exploration of the poetry of the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei. This edition, comprising 252 pages, invites readers to engage with Wang Wei’s work through the lens of translation, offering insights into his artistic nature as a poet, musician, and painter. David Du expresses his desire to share Wang Wei’s voice, encouraging readers to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of his poetry.
In this book, Du presents a unique journey that intertwines the translator’s perspective with the essence of Wang Wei’s artistry. Readers will discover how the poet’s Buddhist influences and his mastery of multiple art forms converge in his work. The text emphasizes the importance of experiencing poetry in quiet moments, allowing the reader to connect with the three distinct voices present in the translation. This edition serves as a bridge to the ancient, classical, and cultural dimensions of Wang Wei’s poetry, making it a significant contribution to the fields of literature and poetry.
Official synopsis Publisher
Though many people have been touched by Wang Wei’s pulse and have left their impressions, David Du still wished to translate his poetry, especially after arriving at Wang River and seeing only one lonely statue in his honour. David says, “Reader, read my work in quiet moments, and you will hear the sound of three voices: the translator’s (mine), the English editor’s (Scot), and Wang Wei’s. Turn the pages as if you are opening your eyes to take a look into another world of culture.” He hopes you, the reader, will enjoy this journey as much as he did.Wang Wei was born in the Tang Dynasty (701-761) and, mainly through his mother’s influence, was a lifelong Buddhist. He even took as his other name “Mo Jie (Vimalakirti),” the name of a well-known lay Buddhist who lived in the early Buddhist era. Wang Wei had great skills as an artist, whose paintings others copied (the cover painting, “Snow on the Yangtze,”is his), and also as a famous musician. As a result, the best of his poetry combines the three elements of his artistic nature: poetry, music, and painting. There are also Zen or Buddhist perceptions in his poetry, for which he was given the name “The Poetry Buddha.”
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