Tao Yuanming: The Complete Works

Tao Yuanming (365–427), also known as Tao Qian, is one of the greatest of Chinese poets. Living in the Jin dynasty, a time of turmoil, he could not abide serving in the corrupt government of the day and sought retirement back near his hometown, on a farm. His most famous pieces reflect this although he did write on a variety of themes. He also penned a number or works on “drinking wine.” This book translates all his poetry and prose and is accompanied by the Chinese text in traditional characters. There are footnotes for most of the direct allusions in his work.