Su Shih (also known by his pen name Su Tung-p'o) is perhaps one of the best known literary figures in all of Chinese history. A scholar, poet, and political commentator, Su served as a public official under the reign of five different emperors during the later years of the Northern Sung dynasty (960-1126). From the time he passed the imperial examinations and entered government service in 1057, to his death in 1101, he wrote extensive discourses on the nature of government and public administration. The critical reasoning and insight that Su Shih displayed in these essays earned him high office at court, the ear of the emporer, and exile to some of the most remote places in China.

The Sung court, during the later half of the 11th century, was riven by intense political factionism generated by debates over the government's financial reform efforts. Su Shih’s prominence at court and outspoken opinions antagonized certain political circles, a crime for which he was alternately demoted to minor provincial posts and banished from political office altogether. During his time away from court he wrote many poetic reflections on life and the human condition which are admired to this day for their expressiveness and artistry. Su Shih was also an outstanding calligrapher, and several of his own original writings still survive as works of art in themselves.