Coloured stars

Coloured Stars, published by B.H. Blackwell in 1918, represents a significant contribution to the early 20th-century fascination with world poetry. Edward Powys Mathers, a noted translator and pioneer of the cryptic crossword in England, compiled this collection as an anthology of exotic verse. The work was intended to introduce Western readers to a diverse array of non-European poetic traditions, reflecting the scholarly yet romanticized interest in foreign literature characteristic of the Georgian era.

The volume is recognized for its lyrical approach to translation, prioritizing the emotional and sensory qualities of the original texts over strict literalism. Mathers' editorial choices reflected his deep immersion in the Orientalist trends of the time, aiming to capture the essence of various Asian and African poetic forms. Upon its release, the collection was received as a stylish and accessible entry point into global literature, cementing Mathers' reputation as a skillful mediator of international verse.