In Zen Buddhism and Its Relation to Art, Arthur Waley explores the profound connections between Zen Buddhist philosophy and artistic expression. The work delves into how Zen principles—such as simplicity, spontaneity, and mindfulness—manifest in various art forms, including painting, poetry, and calligraphy. Waley articulates the idea that Zen encourages an aesthetic of direct experience and authenticity, where the artist seeks to convey an immediate perception of reality rather than an id...

The No Plays of Japan is a collection and translation by Arthur Waley that introduces the Western world to the traditional Japanese Noh drama. Noh, a theatrical form that originated in the 14th century, is known for its slow, stylized movements, minimalistic staging, and deep philosophical themes. Waley's translation includes a selection of Noh plays that reflect the spiritual and poetic nature of the genre, often focusing on themes of love, death, and the supernatural.The collection inclu...

The Noh Plays of Japan is the most respected collection of Noh plays in English.The classic Japanese plays can be read for their great literary merit and also provide the reader with an understanding of a unique theatre art and important insights into the cultural, spiritual and artistic traditions of Japan.The Noh Plays of Japan, first published in 1921 and justly famous for more than three-quarters of a century, established the Noh play ...

First published in 1934.Unlike previous translations, this translation of Lao Tzu's Tao Tê Ching is based not on the medieval commentaries but on a close study of the whole of early Chinese literature.

For generations, Arthur Waley's lyrical translations served as the primary gateway to Chinese poetry for the English-speaking world. Celebrated for rendering classical verse into enduring English poetry, his work reached both popular and scholarly audiencesThis volume presents a definitive chronological collection of Arthur Waley's seminal translations, Organized by dynasty, this edition transforms Waley's scattered masterpieces into a coherent historical journey through Chinese li...

The Real Tripitaka gives an account of the seventh century pilgrim's adventures, spiritual and material, both in India and after his return to China. That legendary journey was fictionalized in the classic Journey to the West, translated in part by Waley. In addition this book contains an account of a Japanese pilgrim's visit to China in the ninth century, which describes the Wu-t'ai Shan, China's great place of Pilgrimage, and an eyewitness' account of the great persecution of Buddhism in...

In this unforgettable book, Arthur Waley brings together a number of his articles, poems and translations. Included in this collection are pieces on the eighth-century Chinese poet Ts’ên Shên and the great Chinese prose writer, Han Yü, as well as some of Waley’s original poems and stories. But the most compelling is ‘The Secret History of the Mongols’, consisting of long extracts from a thirteenth-century Chinese saga. Written in vivid, elegant prose, it recounts fantastic tales of epic ba...

"The Poet Li Po" is a captivating collection that brings to life the works of the renowned Tang dynasty poet Li Po, also known as Li Bai. His poetry is celebrated for its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and exploration of themes such as nature, friendship, and the joys of wine. Arthur Waley's translation captures the essence of Li Po's lyrical genius, making it accessible to modern readers. The collection showcases the beauty of classical Chinese poetry and invites readers to immerse thems...

Delve into the rich tapestry of Tang Dynasty China with Arthur Waley's The Life and Times of Po Chü-i 772-846. This masterful biography presents an in-depth exploration of the life, works, and historical context of Po Chü-i, one of China's most beloved and influential poets.Arthur Waley, a renowned sinologist and translator, brings to life the vibrant world of 8th and 9th-century China through the lens of Po Chü-i's experiences. Waley meticulously reconstructs the poet's life from h...

The Nō Plays of Japanby Arthur WaleyTranslations of a selection of Nō dramas, which have deep connections with Japanese Buddhism, Shinto, and Japanese folklore.Part prose, part verse, the visually stunning No plays of Japan deal with such subjects as insanity, obsession and historical characters, and frequently have as their focal points demons, gods, and beautiful women. Among the 19 works and 15 summaries included here are Ukai (The Cormorant-Fisher), Hatsuyuki (Ea...

First published in 1937.The Book of Songs is a collection of ancient Chinese songs, dating from 800 to 600 B.C. Until this was published in 1937 it had not been translated into English since the middle of nineteenth century, when sinology was still in its infancy. For the first time the original meaning of 290 out of the 305 songs is given, use being made of the advances in the study of old Chinese. The result is not merely a clear picture of early Chinese life, but also th...

IntroductionSince the Middle Ages the Chinese have been almost unanimous in regarding Li Po as their greatest poet, and the few who have given the first place to his contemporary Tu Fu have usually accorded the second to Li.One is reluctant to disregard the verdict of a people upon its own poets. We are sometimes told by Frenchmen or Russians that Oscar Wilde is greater than Shakespeare. We are tempted to reply that no foreigner can be qualified to decide such a point....