The Penmaster of Hanoi’s Poetry: A Postage Stamp Tribute

To commemorate the centenary of poet Nguyen Dinh Thi's birth, a special stamp collection has been unveiled, showcasing his iconic portrait alongside celebrated works.

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Designed by renowned artist Nguyen Du, an employee of Vietnam Post Corporation, the stamp set is a graphical masterpiece. It features a portrait of the legendary Nguyen Dinh Thi set against a warm yellow backdrop. Accompanying this portrait are artistic representations of his most famous works, including the iconic song “Nguoi Ha Noi” (The People of Hanoi), the thought-provoking play “Hon Cuoi” (Wedding of Souls), the literary essay “The Work of a Novelist,” and the captivating short stories “Xung Kich” (Fast Attack) and “Vo Bo” (Dike Broken), to name a few.



The stamp collection honoring Nguyen Dinh Thi showcases his remarkable legacy.

Nguyen Dinh Thi, a brilliant poet, writer, and composer, was born in 1924 in Vu Thach Village, located on what is now known as Ba Trieu Street in Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. He is recognized as one of Vietnam’s most influential literary figures, with his works embodying the spirit of the resistance era. Thi’s writing style encompasses a diverse range from lyrical to military poetry, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary Vietnamese literature.

As early as the 1940s, Thi emerged as a prominent figure in the patriotic literary movement and actively contributed to revolutionary cultural and artistic endeavors. His poetry, often characterized by its epic style, provides a profound glimpse into the lives and struggles of the Vietnamese people during significant historical events. Additionally, Thi’s talent extended to composition, as he seamlessly blended music and literature to create extraordinary musical pieces.



Hanoi’s beloved poet, composer, and writer, Nguyen Dinh Thi, left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.

One of Nguyen Dinh Thi’s most celebrated works is “Doan Thuyen Danh Ca” (The Fishing Boats), penned in 1958 during the resistance against French colonial rule. This poem captures the resilience and strength of the Vietnamese people, with a particular focus on the soldiers and workers who fought valiantly to defend their homeland while also tending to their daily chores.

Another cherished creation by this multi-talented artist is the song “Nguoi Ha Noi” (The People of Hanoi), composed in 1949. It beautifully portrays the resilience, beauty, and unique character of Hanoi’s residents during the challenging years of the anti-French War. To this day, the song remains an integral part of Hanoi’s cultural heritage, evoking feelings of nostalgia and love for the city with its memorable melody and lyrics.

The Ministry of Information and Communication has previously issued stamp collections honoring distinguished writers and poets who have made significant contributions to Vietnamese literature. Among those honored are literary giants such as Tran Te Xuong (1870-1907), Nguyen Khuyen (1835-1909), and Xuan Dieu (1916-1985), to name a few.

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