The Translator of the English Version of Fei Niao Ji

Fei Niao Ji, also known as The Collection of Birds, is a well-known book of Chinese poems written by Li Bai. This famous collection is considered one of the literary treasures of Chinese literature. However, not many people know that there is also an English version of the book, and even fewer know who translated it. In this article, we will explore who translated the English version of Fei Niao Ji and their contributions to the world of Chinese literature.

The History of Fei Niao Ji

Fei Niao Ji was written by Li Bai, one of the most celebrated poets in Chinese history. Li Bai lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and was known for his romantic and lyrical poetry. He wrote Fei Niao Ji during his travels across China, where he observed the beauty of nature and the different species of birds. The book is a collection of poems about these birds and their characteristics, written in Li Bai's distinct style.

The Translator of the English Version

The English version of Fei Niao Ji was translated by W.A.P. Martin, an American missionary who lived in China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Martin was a renowned sinologist and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of Chinese literature and culture. He was fluent in both Chinese and English and was highly respected in the academic community, both in China and abroad.

In 1907, Martin published the English version of Fei Niao Ji, which he titled The Chinese Sparrowhawk and Other Bird Stories. The book contained 46 of Li Bai's poems translated into English, along with an introduction and notes by Martin. The English version of Fei Niao Ji was well-received in the West and became a significant contribution to the world of Chinese literature.

The Legacy of W.A.P. Martin

W.A.P. Martin's translation of Fei Niao Ji helped introduce Chinese literature to a wider audience and sparked an interest in Chinese culture and history. He was a pioneer in the field of sinology and made significant contributions to the study of Chinese literature. In addition to his work on Fei Niao Ji, Martin also translated other Chinese literary classics, such as the Tao Te Ching and The Analects of Confucius.

Despite his contributions, Martin's legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by his association with Western imperialism and missionary work. The role of missionaries in China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries is a contentious topic, and Martin's legacy has been a subject of debate.

Nevertheless, Martin's translation of Fei Niao Ji remains an important work in the canon of Chinese literature. It helped bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures and introduced a new audience to the beauty of Li Bai's poetry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the English version of Fei Niao Ji was translated by W.A.P. Martin, a renowned sinologist and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of Chinese literature and culture. His translation helped introduce Chinese literature to a wider audience and became a significant contribution to the world of Chinese literature. Although his legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by his association with missionary work, his work on Fei Niao Ji remains an important part of the canon of Chinese literature.