In the Footsteps of Du Fu cover art

In the Footsteps of Du Fu

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About this listen

 A beautifully illustrated travelogue, chronicling the life and work of one of the world greatest poets.

Du Fu (712-70) is one of China’s greatest poets. His career coincided with periods of famine, war and huge upheaval, yet his secular philosophical vision, combined with his empathy for the common folk of his nation, ensured that he soon became revered. Like Shakespeare or Dante, his poetry resonates in a timeless manner that ensures it is always relevant and offers something new to the modern generation.

Now, in this beautifully illustrated book, broadcaster and historian Michael Wood follows in his footsteps to try to understand the places that inspired Du Fu to write some of the most famous and best-loved poetry the world has known. The themes he wrote about – friendship, family, human suffering – are universal and in our troubled times are just as relevant as they were almost 1,300 years ago.
©2023 Michael Wood. All rights reserved. (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, UK. All Rights Reserved. Art & Literature Authors Travel Writing & Commentary China
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Very well written and narrated by Michael Wood. From the pace of the story to the selection of Du Fu’s poems, this is a very enjoyable, interesting and, at times, contemplative look back at the life and times of the brilliant Chinese poet.

A thoroughly enjoyable travel through the life of Du Fu

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It has been some time since the story of a single man has captured my imagination so completely. The life of Du Fu is a tale both grand and intimate. Set against the backdrop of the collapse of an entire civilization, it takes us on a journey across the provinces of China, with the very best and very worst of humanity on full display. Through his poetry, Du Fu manages to capture the glory of creation and the many facets of the human condition like few others.

Captivating

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