{"product_id":"spring-essence-the-poetry-of-ho-xuan-huong-9781556591488","title":"Spring Essence: The Poetry of Ho Xuan Huong","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSpring Essence: The Poetry of Ho Xuan Huong\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis bilingual edition presents the work of Hồ Xuân Hương, Vietnam's most celebrated female poet from the 18th century. Translated by John Balaban, a National Book Award nominee and recipient of the Lamont Award and William Carlos Williams Award, this collection bridges ancient Vietnamese literary tradition with contemporary American poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout This Translation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume features ancient Vietnamese script alongside English translations, preserving the original cultural and linguistic nuances of Hồ Xuân Hương's verse. Balaban's translation work captures the wit, sensuality, and social commentary that made Hồ Xuân Hương a distinctive voice in Vietnamese literary history. His translations have been featured on NPR's \"Fresh Air,\" the New York Times, and Utne Reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical and Cultural Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHồ Xuân Hương wrote during a period when women's voices were rarely documented in Vietnamese literature. Her poetry addresses themes of femininity, social constraints, and personal freedom through masterful use of double entendre and classical Vietnamese poetic forms. This collection represents a major cultural and historical document, offering insight into 18th-century Vietnamese society and women's experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Translator\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Balaban has authored a dozen books spanning poetry, prose, and Vietnamese translations. His expertise in Vietnamese language and culture, combined with his skill as an American poet, makes this translation accessible to English-speaking readers while maintaining fidelity to the original texts. He teaches at North Carolina State University and has dedicated significant portions of his career to bringing Vietnamese literature to Western audiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePublished by Copper Canyon Press\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis paperback edition from Copper Canyon Press maintains high production standards appropriate for both literary study and gift-giving. The bilingual format serves students, scholars, poetry enthusiasts, and readers interested in Southeast Asian literature and women's historical writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJohn 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 NPR's \"Fresh Air,\" New York Times, and Utne Reader. He teaches at North Carolina State University.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Copper Canyon Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50681143853330,"sku":"9781556591488","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_e598a006-254f-4f5c-b359-b8dc6f512f88.jpg?v=1733949754","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/spring-essence-the-poetry-of-ho-xuan-huong-9781556591488","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}