Description: Ca Dao Vietnam by John Balaban A bilingual anthology of lyric poem-songs from Vietnams oral folk tradition. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description During the Vietnam war, John Balaban traveled the Vietnamese countryside alone, taping, transcribing, and translating oral folk poems known as "ca dao." No one had ever done this before, and it was Balabans belief that his project would help end the war.The young American poet walked up to farmers, fishermen, seamstresses, and monks and said, "Sing me your favorite poem," and they did. "Folk poetry is so much a part of everybodys life, my request didnt seem like such a strange proposition," Balaban writes.The resulting collection—the first in any Western -language—became a phenomenon within the American Vietnamese community, but the book slipped out of print after the original publisher folded in the 70s. This revised, bilingual edition includes new poems and an eloquent introduction explicating poetrys importance in Vietnamese culture.The PaintingThe stream runs clear to its stones;the fish swim in sharp outline.Girl, turn your face for me to draw.Tomorrow, if we should drift apart,I shall find you by this picture."In early dynasties, Chinese emperors used to send out officials to record the poetry of the common people because folk songs were believed to be the truest indicators of popular feeling. . . . Consider this book such a sampling. Take it as a guide and enter this world of Taoist sages, parted lovers, melon gardens, concubines, exiled kings, wheeling egrets, rice paddies, bamboo bridges, shimmering moons, and fishtraps."—from the introduction"These oral poems are direct (though not beyond slyness), simple in language, poignant. . . . Recommended for all collections."—Library JournalJohn Balaban is the author of 11 books of poetry, prose, and Vietnamese translations. His Spring Essence: The Poetry of Hô Xuân Huong, has sold 20,000 copies. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he teaches at North Carolina State University. Author Biography John Balaban is the author of a dozen books of poetry, prose, and Vietnamese translations whose prizes include the Lamont Award, the William Carlos Williams Award, and two National Book Award nominations. His work has been featured on NPRs "Fresh Air," New York Times, and Utne Reader. He teaches at North Carolina State University. Description for Sales People This book follows the publicity and sales success of Balabans Spring Essence: The Poetry of Ho Xuan Huong The original version of Ca Dao Vietnam has been out of print for over a decade, but pirated versions regularly appear. Balaban was the first person to travel the Vietnamese countryside taping, transcribing, and translating folk poems. He did this while the war was still raging; his hope was to humanize the enemy. "Imagine," he writes in his memoir, "a Vietnamese walking up to an American farmhouse and knocking on the door, introducing himself, and saying, I wonder if you would sing me your favorite poem? Instead of being driven off with a shotgun, I was welcomed." Details ISBN1556591861 Short Title CA DAO VIETNAM Pages 100 Series Kagean Book Language English Translator John Balaban ISBN-10 1556591861 ISBN-13 9781556591860 Media Book Format Paperback Year 2003 DOI 10.1604/9781556591860 Imprint Copper Canyon Press,U.S. Country of Publication United States Author John Balaban AU Release Date 2003-09-18 NZ Release Date 2003-09-18 US Release Date 2003-09-18 UK Release Date 2003-09-18 Publisher Copper Canyon Press,U.S. Publication Date 2003-09-18 Subtitle Vietnamese Folk Poety Edited by John Balaban DEWEY 398.209597 Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:140166518;
Price: 39.96 AUD
Location: Melbourne
End Time: 2025-01-28T10:20:03.000Z
Shipping Cost: 1.67 AUD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Format: Paperback
Language: English
ISBN-13: 9781556591860
Author: John Balaban
Type: Does not apply
Book Title: Ca Dao Vietnam
