This captivating collection of essays and literary criticism showcases Lin Geng’s insights into both ancient and modern poetry. Spanning five decades, these forty-plus articles pulse with his passion for the written word, with one half dedicated to his acclaimed scholarship on Chu Ci and Tang poetry, and the other half dedicated his personal engagement with ancient verses as a poet himself. With keen eyes and an infectious enthusiasm, Lin Geng uncovers the hidden beauty of common words, unlocks the mysteries of poetic principles, and offers fresh perspectives on the art of regulated verse.