The Image of Du Fu in the West and China

This book explores the three most famous biographies of Du Fu in contemporary China (Biography of Du Fu by Feng Zhi, Comment Biography of Du Fu by Chen Yixin, and Comment Biography of Du Fu by Mo Lifeng), as well as the most representative biographies and research works on Du Fu by three famous western sinologists (namely, Tu Fu: The Greatest Poet in China by William Hung, The Great Age of Chinese Poetry: The High Tang and The Self’s Perfect Mirror: Poetry as Autobiography by Stephen Owen, and Recollection without Tranquility: Du Fu, the Imperial Gardens and the State by David McMullen). It then compares images of Du Fu from Chinese and Western perspectives, in order to explore differences in perceptions of the writer, and the causes behind these. The book also discusses Du Fu’s representative poems on the seasons, mountain-climbing, flowers and birds, translated into English by various famous translators.