One of the most famous verse masters of his time,[2] Lin lived as a recluse by the West Lake in Hangzhou for much of his later life.

His works and theatrical solitude won him nationwide fame,[2] and he was offered prestigious government posts, although he refused all civic duties in pursuit of his poetry.

Long after he died, Lin's eccentric attitude and his works retained a vivid place in Song cultural imagination and later works.

One example of his works, titled Everlasting Longing is shown below: 相思令 吴山青.

江邊潮已平.Everlasting Longing[1] The northern hills so green, The southern hills so green, They greet your ship which sails river between.