Baek Seok: Poems of the North (Korean Poets) (English and Korean Edition)

Baek Seok: Poems of the North (Korean Poets) (English and Korean Edition)

WINNER of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea's Poetry Grant Treasured in both Koreas, Baek Seok: Poems of the North presents a captivating journey into the heart and spirit of Koreans from the 1930s to the 1950s. In a land struggling for freedom and short of food, he treats his readers to the dishes they craved, exhibiting a Korea not in mired in the unpleasant realities of oppressive Japanese occupation, but in his imagination of its greatness. Influenced by the visually intense landscape objects & narratives of the countryside, this poet observed for us the institutions & character of fading local customs, infusing them with the foods & flavors native to Korea, a deep & spiritual connection to the natural world, & shamanic superstition while tapping into the memories & han of the people. Key features of this mesmerizing collection: Vivid depictions of a land striving for freedom - A sensory exploration of the dishes longed for in a Korea grappling with food scarcity - A striking portrayal the unique character of Korea's past - A glimpse into an imagined Korea, untarnished by the harsh realities of Japanese occupation Baek Seok captures the essence of Korea's rich cultural heritage in the striking landscapes, narratives, and objects of the countryside by: ◆ Masterfully weaving together the tastes, fragrances, and the colors of native Korean foods ◆ Establishing a profound connection to the natural world and the spiritual underpinnings of shamanic beliefs ◆ Tapping into the collective memories and deep-rooted emotions of the Korean people ____________________________________________________________________________ "With a tone that is variously meditative, joyous, nostalgic, critical, romantic, reverent, ironic, tragic & even bitter, Baek Seok's blend of litany, landscape & legend is full of nature's color, palatal flavors & a tactile connection to those who people his poems." - Donald Keddie ____________________________________________________________________________ Discover the enchanting and evocative world of " Baek Seok: Poems of the North " and experience the beauty and history of Korea like never before: ✓ Immerse yourself in a world of sensory delight and cultural depth ✓ Rich with nature's vibrant hues, delectable flavors, and an intimate connection to the individuals portrayed in the poems ✓ An essential addition to any collection of Korean literature or world poetry Embark on a journey through the captivating landscape of Baek Seok's poetry and unlock the hidden treasures of Korea's past. 2018 INDIES Winner Silver, Multicultural (Adult Fiction)chosen as a Foreword Reviews' prestigious #ForewordINDIES Book of the Year Awards winner! Revealing a hidden light of Korean poetry, the handsomely collected Baek Seok: Poems of the North shines with simple and universal splendor, set in the homes, yards, and farmland of twentieth-century Korea. Peter Liptak applies his extensive skills and experience in English and Korean as he presents translations of the poetry of Baek Seok, who wrote his poems when Korea was occupied by Japan and was later split in two after World War II. Despite such turmoil, his poems focus on universal aspects of Korean culture: harmony with nature, family, love, and sadness. His work was rediscovered by modern scholars in 1987, and his growing reputation prompted this collection. Baek Seok's poems carry a sense of nostalgia and community, delivered from an individual's point of view. Every line contributes to the whole, painting a picture in words. But Baek Seok's strength is his frugality, as seen in the poem "Green Persimmon," which creates an indelible image in just three lines: On a night of countless stars To the cool current of a north wind The persimmon fell green to a dog's harsh bark. One can contemplate deeper meanings or accept the poem at face value; either way, the strong sense of place and vivid imagery that are omnipresent in Baek Seok's work are evident. Each poem is printed in English and Korean, accompanied by footnotes explaining references to specific locations, Korean terms, and other details. Choi Joongwon's exquisite artwork illustrates scenes in the book's color scheme of blue and white. It's hard to imagine a better introduction to Baek Seok's work. A biographical timeline and "About the Author" section provide valuable context, while those more interested in the work itself will delight in the "List of Onomatopoeia," a technique used extensively by Baek Seok. With Baek Seok: Poems of the North, Liptak has proven wrong the professor who called Baek Seok "The Great Untranslatable Poet"; in doing so, he has performed a great service to Western readers. -- Peter Dabbene (September/October 2018) Foreword Reviews "The stories are deep and rich, though about simple things... Very high-quality production. This almost feels like reading a history book, in a good way. The poems are wonderful vignettes of a place and time tha