Brian Holton - Hard Roads an Cauld Hairst Winds

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to translator, poet, (and, in his own words, "recovering academic") Brian Holton to talk about his latest book, 'Hard Roads an Cauld Hairst Winds: Li Bai an Du Fu in Scots', which is available now with Taproot Press. Brian translates modern and classical Chinese poetry, and fiction, and this collection is his translations of poetry by two of the most renowned poets of Ancient China into Scots. 

Brian tells us a bit about Li Bai and Du Fu, their importance in Chinese culture, and why he wanted to translate these poems into Scots. The two also discuss how Brian became a translator, the rich history of Scots language, the importance of translations in understanding other people and their cultures, and a whole lot more. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to Brian about this fascinating, and beautiful, book and we hope you enjoy listening in.