'This sixth volume in Vagabond’s Asia Pacific Poetry Series brings together a selection of poetry from three key contemporary Chinese poets Hong Ying, Zhai Yongming & Yang Lian edited and introduced by Mabel Lee, translated by Mabel Lee, Naikan Tao & Tony Prince and with cover art by Lin Chunyan.'
Hong Ying was born in Chongqing. Her father worked on the cargo boats plying the Yangtze. She grew up in the lower strata of society. Her poetry career started in 1988. She moved to London where she won the UK Chinese Poetry Price in 1991. She also became an accomplished novelist.
Zhai Yongming was born in Chengdu. She was sent to work as a peasant in the countryside for two years during the Cultural Revolution. Afterwards, however, she graduated in laser technology and became writing poetry. She became a role model for aspiring women poets, as the field was dominated by men. She would travel to the United States, but returned to China to enjoy celebrity status as an installation artist.
Yang Lian was born in Bern, Switzerland, but grew up in Beijing. He emerged alongside the first wave of poets during the Cultural Revolution, extolling male sexuality. He was banned from publishing for a year, but find himself reprinted and travelled to Australia, finding international fame. He has won two significant literary prizes in Italy, and has been published in many others.
(Publisher summary)
