Waley

Waley is a surname of English origin. The best known bearer is Arthur Waley (1889–1966), the pen name of Arthur David Schloss, a British orientalist and translator who specialized in East Asian languages and literatures.

Waley’s translations are widely regarded as foundational in introducing classical Chinese and Japanese literature to English-speaking readers. He rendered major works such as The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari) and Monkey: A Journey to the West, and he produced translations of classical poetry by Li Bai and Tu Fu. His translations were valued for their readability and accessibility, helping to establish Western appreciation for East Asian literary traditions in the mid-20th century. Critics have sometimes noted that his renderings reflected interpretive choices characteristic of his period, rather than strictly literal translations.

In addition to his translation work, Waley contributed scholarly essays and edited volumes on East Asian literature. His influence extended to subsequent generations of translators and scholars, shaping how English-language readers encountered Chinese and Japanese classics.

The surname Waley may be borne by other individuals, but Arthur Waley is the most prominent figure associated with the name in the fields of oriental studies and literary translation.