Complete Poems of the Monk Xuzhong

全唐诗Jun 2024

3.7

Word count: 914 words
Chapters: 16

Summary

This poetry collection is part of “Complete Tang Poems.” During the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty, it was compiled by imperial order by Peng Dingqiu, Yang Zhongne, Shen Sanceng, Pan Conglü, Xu Shuben, Che Dingjin, Wang Yi, Zha Sichen, Yu Mei, and others, with Cao Yin finally responsible for the specific matter of block printing. It not only comprehensively reflects the prosperity of Tang poetry but is also important material for studying Tang history, culture, and education.

Editor's review

This book extracts the poems of the monk Xuzhong from “Complete Tang Poems,” forming a thematic reader of one Tang poet-monk. Its editorial significance lies in presenting works scattered through a general anthology in concentrated form, making it easier for readers to observe the same author’s habits in theme, syntax, and diction. Xuzhong’s poems mostly concern monastic life and social exchanges and poetic replies; the style tends toward quiet simplicity, suitable for slow reading in a quiet setting. For readers studying Tang monk poetry or regional literature, this book provides a basic text that can be cited directly; for ordinary readers, it is more like a thin, light little collection of classical poetry—no need to conquer it systematically from beginning to end; open it anywhere and read a few poems. Note that this book relies on the compilation achievements of “Complete Tang Poems”; its textual source is clear, but it does not excel in popular annotation. Beginners should pair it with reference books or relevant selections to better understand the personal relationships and Chan monastic context.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Classical literature readers interested in the creative profile of Tang poet-monks
Researchers who need concentrated access to the works of the monk Xuzhong
Daily readers who enjoy short, quiet poems
Students in classical literature doing author-specific assignments

Not a good fit for

Beginner readers expecting detailed annotation and modern Chinese translation
General enthusiasts who want to survey all of Tang poetry through one book

Reading tips

Read the poem titles first to understand social exchanges and writing occasions; then read the text, and understanding will flow more smoothly.
Read only about ten poems at a time; afterward recall recurring images and make brief notes.
Read against the works of other poet-monks of the same era, noting similarities and differences in theme and syntax.

版权信息
泊洞庭
善卷坛
石城金谷
庾楼
经贺监旧居
献郑都官
寄华山司空图（二首）
赠屏风岩栖蟾上人
赠秀才
送迁客
哭悼朝贤
悼方干处士
听轩辕先生琴
芳草
句

FAQ

How many poems are collected in the complete poems of the monk Xuzhong?

The materials do not state the exact number. This book is a thematic compilation of poems attributed to the monk Xuzhong in “Complete Tang Poems”; the exact number should be based on the published table of contents. It is advisable to check the contents and compilation notes before reading.

Is this book suitable as an introductory Tang poetry reader?

Not very suitable as a first Tang poetry primer. It does not include detailed annotations or appreciation and is better for readers with some foundation in reading classical poetry who want to focus on one poet-monk. Beginners can start with annotated Tang poetry selections.

Do I need to understand the compilation background of “Complete Tang Poems” to read this book?

Not thoroughly, but knowing that it comes from the “Complete Tang Poems” compiled by imperial order during the Qing Kangxi reign helps in understanding the textual source and compilation format. A brief understanding of the general anthology’s background is enough; then read the poems directly.

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About the author

全唐诗 Author

"Quan Tang Shi" is not the name of an individual poet, but a comprehensive anthology of Tang poetry compiled during the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty. The attribution "Quan Tang Shi" actually stands for the group of editors behind this large imperially commissioned work. The anthology gathers a vast range of Tang poems, generally including all poets whose works survive, and the 287 items in this collection derive from it, comprising the complete works of poets such as Wang Wei, Li Bai, Li Shangyin, Du Mu, Chen Zi'ang, Cui Hao, Zhang Jiuling, and Bai Juyi. In subject and style, these works cover landscape and pastoral verse, frontier and military themes, historical reflection, and farewell and occasional poetry, offering a fairly complete picture of Tang poetry. Public information about the individual editors is limited; nevertheless, for its breadth and documentary value, the anthology has long been regarded as an important foundation for studying Tang poetry and for literary appreciation.