Cold Mountain Poems

The incomparable poetry of Han Shan and his sidekick Shih Te, the rebel poets, has long captured the imagination of readers, Zen aficionados, and other poets. These legendary T'ang era (618–907) figures are portrayed as a laughing ragged pair who left poetry on stones, trees, farmhouses, and the walls of monasteries. In simple verse with a lively and often humorous tone, these poems offer readers new awareness on ethical, political, and spiritual topics.

Translator J. P. Seaton takes a fresh look at these captivating poets, along with Wang Fan-chih, a later "outsider" poet who captured the poverty and gritty day-to-day reality of the common people. Seaton's comprehensive introduction and notes throughout give a fascinating context to this vibrant collection.