The Art of Writing: Lu Chi's Wen Fu

This was required reading for my daughter's literature class. The book was delivered quickly and was as advertised. So far, I have not read it but it is useful for my daughter's class.

I am humbled and grateful to learn that Sam Hamil lead the Poets against the war, just a week after getting a copy of Lu Chi's work. That effort, like Lu Chi's work, could well be an honest warrior's work, as poet's work.My perspective for these author's work is rooted in my being a modest (unaccomplished) student of Chinese, Indian and Japanese thought and martial arts for more than 30 years. To read Lu Chi, Sam Hamill is transparent - it is like watching Meryl Step play Julia Child, or consummate Aikido proponent, Bob Poresky use Ikkyo to defend against the 15 attacks. Their signature piece is in leaving not a trace of themselves apparent. And like these masterful artists, in this translation it seems that Lu Chi's work rings through effortlessly and true.Likewise, it also seems to me that Lu Chi's essay is as relevant to martial arts or perhaps any art, as it to writing, at least in several significant ways. He calls for and insists on honesty in work. Each word, no more or less than truth. And how do you know? This book directs you, as well. In similar manner it directs you to where your truth, or story, or character, or interpretation arises. This I suspect is the place where writer's revision takes place, as it is for rehearsal for actors, and training for martial artists.Heed where Lu Chi directs the writer. Coming from that place seems to be what gives birth to mastery. Lu Chi appears to do all this effortlessly, too by capturing the essence of classical thought. It suggests that, as it appears as true today, in Lu Chi's writing and Sam's honest translation, as it was 17 hundred years ago, is why its called classical.And as for writers reading this review, Sam's work also illuminated for me why so many accomplished poets translate. This work, which appears to transcends personality, may well define the essence of his character as a writer.Cheers

A quick and inspirational read, "The Art of Writing" strips away the technical and verbose over analyzing of what it is to write and strikes at the soul of what it is to be a writer. A poetic dive into the waters of creativity, the text addresses the importance of being sincere in execution and subject matter, the reality of writer's block, where inspiration can be found, etc. It reads like a flowery version of the Tao Te Ching at times, but I mean that in a good way. Never pretentious, it strives to inspire, rather than school. It may come off as arty for some, but for me, it struck all the "write" chords ;)

I've had this book for about three years. At the time that I bought it, the title was out of print and I had to buy it direct from the publisher, Milkweed Editions. Along with another classic, Basho's A Haiku Journey, this book never leaves my backpack. I pull them out to free my mind and get me back on track. A must for any writer.Terry Bowman, author of unReQuiTed

A masterwork by a master little known in the West.

Excellent product, no complaint

This is an incredibly rich, thoughtful and beautiful poem on the art of writing. Written 1700 years ago, it remains as valid today as then since the essence of writing, the art of using words to convey messages, feelings and knowledge, remains utterly unchanged. This is a book I recommend to my students when they must write their theses. Also it is the one I read over and over again, hoping someday I will also master this art. I agree with another reviewer that much of what is written in this little book also applies subtly to other arts. If you are an artist at heart you will rapidly notice this.A final note: there is a version on the internet, translated in 1952 by a Chinese scholar named Shih-Hsiang Chen, which is also worth reading [...]

This is a good translation with a helpful introduction. I prefer Hamill's translation to the version in Barnstone and Ping's _Anchor Book of Chinese Poetry_; Hamill's translation has a lot of "space," for lack of a better term.I plan on exposing my students to some of the advice here. For example, Lu Chi says, "Restrain verbosity, establish order;/ otherwise, further and further revision." I can't argue with that.My only reservation about the book is that it's so expensive. For a few dollars more, you could get the Anchor book, which has highlights from the Wen Fu and much, much more.This book would make a nice gift, though.

a very good copy, and promptly sent - a book of ancient wisdom, important to retain in this instant and disposable western societyMark Russell-Smith