Bai Juyi (772–846 / Taiyuan, Shanxi) Biography of Bai Juyi Bai
Juyi (pinyin: Bái Juyì; Wade-Giles: Po Chü-i was a Chinese poet
of the Tang dynasty. Many of his poems concern his career or
observations made as a government official, including as
governor of three different provinces. Bai Juyi was also
renowned in Japan. Burton Watson says of Bai Juyi: "he worked to
develop a style that was simple and easy to understand, and
posterity has requited his efforts by making him one of the most
well-loved and widely read of all Chinese poets, both in his
native land and in the other countries of the East that
participate in the appreciation of Chinese culture. He also,
thanks to the translations and biographical studies by Arthur
Waley, one of the most accessible to English readers". Today the
fame of Bai Juyi is worldwide. Pinyin: Bó Juyì or Bái Juyì Wade-
Giles: Po Chü-i or Pai Chü-i Zì : Lètian Hào : Xiangshan Jushì
Shì Wén (hence referred to as Bái Wéngong ) Bai Juyi often
referred to himself in life as Letian, th