Coming Soon
Two expanded second editions —
Trincomali Press, Fall 2026
Oracle Bones: Poems from the Time of Misrule
In the tradition of Borges and Nabokov, Oracle Bones presents itself as translations of classical Chinese poems that never existed—"pseudo-translations" whose invented originals feel more authentic than many real ones. Ancient voices speak to present catastrophe: a dissolute king, a kingdom in misrule, warnings inscribed on oracle bones. The second edition adds a new preamble, "The Poet and the Tyrant."
Reader reviews, 1st edition
"A bold reimagining of political poetry, merging ancient ritual with modern unrest… a collection that respects both intellect and craft."
"This book challenges the reader to see history and politics through a different lens. The allegorical king serves as a powerful symbol of recurring human flaws. A sophisticated critique wrapped in poetic elegance."
"Intellectually rich… each poem feels like a coded message waiting to be deciphered. A deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience."
"This book stands out for its originality and depth. It offers something genuinely different in the genre."
Facing the Moon: Poems of Li Bai and Du Fu
A bilingual edition presenting poems of Li Bai and Du Fu—the two supreme poets of the Tang dynasty—in Chinese and English on facing pages. Holyoak's translations draw on his years of immersion in classical Chinese poetry and his practice as a formal poet, finding English equivalents that preserve both the meaning and the music of the originals. The expanded second edition includes new longer poems.
Reader reviews, 1st edition
"The best Chinese poetry book I've read… it's made Du Fu and Li Bai alive to me. The first book that's given me an appreciation for Du Fu and Chinese poets in general."
"Holyoak has done an amazing job of remoulding these fascinating little poems and capturing something of their original sense and atmosphere."
"Profound, inspirational and moving, timeless verse beautifully rendered into English."
"A wonderful book which instills both contemplation and inner peace. A book that I will definitely be returning to on a regular basis."
