Robert E. Bjork

A Boat Ready to Set Sail

Arts & Literature

“This collection of Pak Yong-chǒl’s impressive ‘pure’ poems can be enjoyed in one sitting but should be pondered instead over several. Like the finest of wines, it must be savored. Sung-Il Lee’s book is a splendid addition to a growing list of twentieth-century Korean poetry in English translation.”

Nine Peaks

Arts & Literature

“This collection could have been entitled Epiphanies. Each poem in it kindles a sudden insight in the reader, a new perspective. The book is a triumph for both the poet and his skilled translator.”

White Village

Arts & Literature

“Poignant, beautiful, and wise, the poems of Yi Byŏng-ho have now successfully crossed the great divide between classical Chinese and modern English, thanks to the skillful translations of his grandson, Sung-Il Lee. The resulting book is captivating. There you will meet Pak the Mountain Man and see the moon hanging on a jade bough. There you will hear the urgent call for poetry sounding as loud as a temple gong.”