Book of Songs (Shi-Jing)

Confucius - the Latinized name of K'ung Fu-tzu (Great Master K'ung) - was a descendant of a branch of the Shang dynasty that ruled China from around 1122 BCE to 221 BCE. He was born around 551 BCE in what is now the province of Shantung in northeastern China. He worked in a number of roles before becoming a teacher. Around 498 BCE, he began a long journey throughout eastern China accompanied by several of his disciples, during which he developed his ideas on philosophy and the art of government, as well as teaching. He acquired a large following which has become known as the school of Ju (Confucianism). Confucius died in 479 BCE.James Trapp is the author of Chinese Characters: The Art and Meaning of Hanzi, Chinese Proverbs and also has translated a bestselling new multilingual edition of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. A Chinese language graduate of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, he teaches Mandarin and was previously an Education Officer on the China Collection at the British Museum.

Sometimes a publisher and author together create a beautiful book, a keepsake as well as a joy to read, and Amber Books (London, UK 2021) has done just that in publishing a selection from the ancient Chinese Book of Songs (“Shi-Jing“). Highly recommended. …The care of the binding, the rich smooth interior paper, makes it feel like someone has brought precious music and knowledge from far away, and left it at your doorstep.

• IntroductionAIRS OF THE STATES The Cry of the Fish-hawk The Cloth-Vine Grows Rabbit Nets The Katydid The Cypress Wood Boat The Gourd has Bitter Leaves How Swift the Quail How Free the Hare The Blue Collar How Agile Climbing the Hill Swiftly Stoops the Falcon On the Shore of the Marsh The Eastern HillsLESSER COURT ODES Four White Horses Trumpet Flowers Wild Geese Siskins The Fourth Month MulberriesGREATER COURT ODES Thick Grow the Oaks Spirit Tower The Prestige of King Wen Drawing Water Through the Twisting Valleys The Omens of ShaoHYMNS Valiant and Refined We offer sacrifices Bounteous Year How Sharp the Ploughshares Silk Robes MightyA note on the translation