Arthur Waley

Born in Turnbridge Wells, England, Arthur Waley is recognized as one of the foremost and most perceptive English interpreters of Far Eastern culture. He is known to student of Chinese and Japanese literature as much for his vast knowledge of the field as for his sensitive, lively and often humorous renderings into English of its most important works.

His translations and lengthy introductions are well annotated for the benefit of the serious student and take into account the historical and linguistic context of the originals.

His published works include The Book of Songs (revised by Joseph R. Allen), Money: Folk Novel of China by Wu Ch’eng-en, The Way and Its Power: A Study of the Tao Te Ching and Its Place in Chinese Thought, The No Plays of Japan, The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon, and An Introduction to the Study of Chinese Painting.