Li Shangyin 813?-858?

A major poet and writer of parallel prose born in present day Henan province. He obtained the jinshi degree in 837, but was caught between two politically conflicting parties at court so was never successful in his official career. His original style, rich imagination, and beautiful language make him one of the best—and most loved—of the late Tang poets. His compact, tightly-structured regulated verse has had a great influence on poets of later generations.

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