Xin Qiji (Hsin Ch'i-chi) 1140-1207

Outstanding poet of the Song dynasty born in Shandong province. At the age of 21, he organized an uprising against the Jin invaders, and from 1172 onwards held various posts until retirement in 1181. He was the most prolific writer of ci in the Song, 626 examples having been preserved together with approximately 120 shi and a small number of prose works. He is credited with revitalizing the ci genre and with broadening its range. Although praised by contemporary critics for his patriotism, Xin's poetry embraces a wide range of themes and moods.

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