Burton Watson

Burton Watson is primarily celebrated for his extensive and influential translations of classical Chinese literature and historical texts. His work has made foundational texts like the Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian) and various Tang and Song dynasty poetry accessible to English-speaking audiences.

For those interested in history, a good starting point is his translation of Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian, which offers a comprehensive look at early Chinese civilization. If you prefer poetry, his collections of Tang and Song dynasty verse provide an excellent introduction to classical Chinese poetry.

Burton Watson was awarded the PEN Translation Prize multiple times, recognizing his significant contributions to making classical Chinese and Japanese literature available in English. He also received a MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as a 'genius grant,' for his distinguished work.