Poetry. Asian Studies. Translated from the Chinese by Jonathan Chaves. Yuan Hung-tao (1568-1610) was the greatest poet of Ming dynasty China. His poetry and essays brilliantly exhibit an originality and vitality that were lacking in the writing of his contemporaries. The writings of Yuan and his two brothers reveal these men to have been individualists who made outstanding contributions to the growth and development of poetry, presenting a penetrating picture of Ming society. "With this volume, Chaves makes an outstanding contribution to the books that present classical Chinese poetry in both accurate and enjoyable English translation"--Choice. Jonathan Chaves is a professor of Chinese at George Washington University and the translator of several volumes of poetry, including Heaven My Blanket, Earth My Pillow.