First published in 1956. Arthur Waley here presents an engrossing account of the works and life of Yuan Mei (1716-1797), the best-known poet of his time. Gaiety is the keynote of his works and the poet was a friend of the Manchu official with whom Commodore Anson had dramatic dealings at Canton in 1743. Yuan Mei gives an account (not previously translated) of Anson's interview with the Manchu authorities. The book contains many translations of Yuan Mei's verse and prose.

The Arthur Waley Estate

ONE: At Hangchow, 1716 to 1736 TWO: At Peking, 1736 to 1743 THREE: Prefect, 1743 to 1749 F0UR: At the SUi:yuan, and journey to the north-west, 1749-1752 FIVE: The SUi-pi and the Ghost Stories, 1752 - 1782 SIX: journeys, 1782-1786 SEVEN: The Poetry Talks and the Cookery Book,1787-1797, APPENDICES: I: Anson's dealings with the Chinese at Canton, II: After Yuan Mei's Death, III: The Macartney Mission and Yuan Mei's Works, IV: Rules observed