Li Bai

Li Bai or Li Po (701-762) was a Chinese poet living in Tang Dynasty. He was traditionally known as Lǐ Bó in Chinese, hence the familiar name Li Po in Wade-Giles romanisation. (This pronunciation, originally associated with the reading of Classical Chinese, has virtually passed out of use in modern China, partly as a result of language planning and standardisation).

Related Topics:
701 - 762 - Chinese poet - Tang Dynasty - Classical Chinese - China - Language planning - Standardisation

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Called the Poet Immortal, Li Bai is often regarded as, along with Du Fu, the greatest poets in China's literary history. Approximately 1,100 of his poems remain today. The western world was introduced to Li Bai's works through the very liberal translations of Japanese versions of his poems made by Ezra Pound.

Related Topics:
Du Fu - China - Translation - Japanese - Ezra Pound

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Li Bai is best known for the extravagant imagination and striking Taoist imagery in his poetry, as well as for his great love for liquor. Like Du Fu, he spent much of his life travelling, although in his case it was because his wealth allowed him to, rather than because his poverty forced him. He is said to have drowned in the Yangtze River, having fallen from his boat while drunkenly trying to embrace (the reflection of) the moon.

Related Topics:
Taoist - Du Fu - Yangtze River

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