How long does it take to read The Gay Genius?
the life and times of Su Tungpo.
The Gay Genius by Yutang Lin takes about 7 hours 41 minutes to read at 250 words a minute.
About 7 hours 41 minutes
A weekend read
First published 1947. 419 pages, about 115,225 words.
16 days at 30 minutes a day
Estimate based on 275 words per page.
At other speeds
| Slow, 150 words a minute | 12 hours 48 minutes |
| Average, 250 words a minute | 7 hours 41 minutes |
| Fast, 400 words a minute | 4 hours 48 minutes |
The page count is the median across 7 editions, so your copy may differ. How we calculate.
About the book
This is a great book written in English by a great Chinese author, scholar, philosopher, linguist,...Lin Yutang (1895-1976), about the greatest Chinese poet, scholar, philosopher of all time - Su Tungpo (1037-1101). Lin states the history background in Su's days (Sung Dynasty) and the life and works of Su. Lin translated many of Su's poems in this book published in 1947, including THE most fabulous and, greatest poem (or "tse" in this particular form) of all Chinese literature - the "Mid-Autumn Moon", composed in 1076. Lin translated this poem not just by meaning but also in English rhythm. "How rare the moon, so round and clear! With cup in hand, I ask of the blue sky, ....." (page 175). Critics say that after this poem was written, all the other poems on the harvest moon could be well forgotten. Lin's translation is a piece of art. Lin portraits Su's study, talent, literature works, unswerving mind. Really worth of reading.
Subjects: Biography, Chinese Poets, Chinese Authors, Statesmen, Biographies, Écrivains chinois
