Written in the third century, this is one of the earliest Chinese works about the use of language, preceded only by the Ta Hsueh (Great Learning) of Confucius. Written by Lu Chi, a soldier-poet, the Wen Fu, or The Art of Writing (wen means “art”; fu is a poetic form), is intended for those who wish to engage the art of letters at its deepest levels.

In sixteen sections, The Art of Writing discusses the joys and problems that face both writer and reader and provides basic insights about many techniques of writing.

Beautifully and faithfully translated by award-winning poet, essayist, and Chinese scholar Sam Hamill, The Art of Writing deserves a place on every writer’s reference table.