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Cathay by Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound — audiobook cover art

Cathay

Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
GENREhistory
LANGUAGEEnglish
LISTENED52
RATING4.8
RELEASED2026

Details

✍️

Author

Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound

🌐

Language

English

📚

Genre

history

About this Audiobook

by Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound

📖 Synopsis & Plot Overview

Listen to the complete audiobook of 'Cathay' by Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound, a seminal work of poetry that has had a profound influence on 20th-century literature. This audiobook is a unique blend of Eastern and Western poetic traditions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of Chinese poetry and the Imagist movement. The Cathay poems, written by the Chinese poet Li Po, were translated by Ezra Pound, who created a new style of translation that would go on to shape the course of modern poetry.

🔍 Key Themes & Narrative Depth

The poems in Cathay are characterized by their simplicity, clarity, and depth, offering a profound exploration of the human experience. They delve into themes of nature, love, and the fleeting nature of life, inviting the listener to contemplate the beauty and complexity of the world around them. The Imagist movement, which emerged from Pound's translations, emphasized clear and concise language, precise images, and free verse forms, revolutionizing the way poets expressed themselves and paving the way for a wide range of literary innovations.

One of the most striking aspects of Cathay is the way it brings together different cultural and literary traditions, creating a rich and complex tapestry of sounds, images, and ideas. The poems are not only a testament to the power of poetry to transcend cultural boundaries but also a celebration of the beauty and diversity of human experience. Through Pound's translations, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese poetic tradition and its influence on Western literature, as well as the ways in which different cultures and traditions can inform and enrich each other.

🎙️ Listening Experience

The audiobook is narrated by the talented Alan Davis Drake (1945-2010), whose expressive and nuanced performance brings the poems to life. With his deep, resonant voice, Drake conveys the emotional depth and complexity of the poems, drawing the listener into the world of Cathay and inviting them to explore its many wonders. To experience the beauty and power of Cathay for yourself, listen to the free audiobook on Unodio today and discover a world of poetry that will leave you inspired and transformed.

Chapters

01
Song of the Bowmen of Shu
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
2:24history
02
Beautiful Toilet, The
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
1:07history
03
River Song, The
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
3:19history
04
River Merchant’s Wife: A Letter, The
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
2:13history
05
Poem by the Bridge at Ten Shin
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
2:30history
06
Jewel Stair’s Grievance, The
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
1:21history
07
Lament of the Frontier Guard
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
2:03history
08
Exile’s Letter
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
5:54history
09
Four Poems of Departure
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
2:48history
10
City of Choan, The
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
1:16history
11
South Folk In Cold Country
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
1:26history
12
Sennin Poem by Kakuhaku
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
1:31history
13
Ballad of the Mulberry Tree, A
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
1:30history
14
Old Idea of Choan by Rosoriu
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
2:18history
15
To Em Mei’s : The Unmoving Cloud
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
2:30history
16
Seafarer, The
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
7:07history
17
Alchemist, The
Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound
4:41history

Listener Reviews 279

Listener Rating
4.8
Based on 279 verified ratings
5
35%
4
0%
3
65%
2
0%
1
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Your Opinion

Sign in to rate and write a review

JA
Jessica A.
March 10, 2019
Better than I thought it would be

I've been listening during my evening walks and Cathay has been the highlight of my week honestly. There's a section in the middle where it all just comes together — gave me chills.

RV
Raj V.
October 27, 2024
This one stayed with me for days

What I appreciate most is that Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound doesn't talk down to you. The ideas are complex but explained in a way that respects your intelligence. Really rare.

OC
Olivia C.
October 27, 2024
Genuinely surprised by how good this is

Listened to this over a long weekend trip. By the time I got home I'd already recommended it to three people. Cathay is just one of those books that sticks.

MD
Mark D.
October 27, 2024
A slow start but completely worth it

The narration quality on this is impressive. Clear, well-paced, and the tone matches the content perfectly. Makes a big difference when you're listening for hours.

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