Lonely Swan – Su Man-shu – ABC – 2026 – ISBN 978-5-389-26461-8
Lonely Swan
9.99 €
In stock
Lonely Swan
9.99 €
A connoisseur of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and literature, Su Manshu was exceptionally talented as both a poet and an artist. His character, however, was a contradiction incarnate. He became a monk three times and returned three times to the world. He was an ascetic and a glutton. A revolutionary and a traditionalist. He sought the shelter of ancient temples to immerse himself in contemplation of their relics and read sacred Buddhist scriptures—and there he translated Western poetry. Fluent in English, Japanese, French, and Sanskrit, Su Manshu left behind a rich cultural legacy, despite living only 34 years.
"The Lonely Swan" is perhaps Su Manshu's finest work of fiction. This short, largely autobiographical novel marked an important stage in the development of Chinese literature—in fact, it was the first work of confessional prose, written in the first person but in a classical literary style. In 1898, Su Manshu had a romantic relationship with a Japanese woman named Jinqi. She died, unable to withstand the pressure of her family to leave her beloved. This tragedy is reflected in the story of the young novice Saburo, who, after leaving the Sea Cloud Monastery, embarks on a new life as a clergyman...
This edition also includes the stories "Sabre" and "Broken Hairpin," and features illustrations by Su Manshu.
"The Lonely Swan" is perhaps Su Manshu's finest work of fiction. This short, largely autobiographical novel marked an important stage in the development of Chinese literature—in fact, it was the first work of confessional prose, written in the first person but in a classical literary style. In 1898, Su Manshu had a romantic relationship with a Japanese woman named Jinqi. She died, unable to withstand the pressure of her family to leave her beloved. This tragedy is reflected in the story of the young novice Saburo, who, after leaving the Sea Cloud Monastery, embarks on a new life as a clergyman...
This edition also includes the stories "Sabre" and "Broken Hairpin," and features illustrations by Su Manshu.
See also:
- All books by the publisher
- All books by the author
- All books in the series Elegant classics of the East