The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon

Name: The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon
Brand: Unknown
SKU: 9780231073370
Price: 37.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Series: Translations from the Asian Classics

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Summary

The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon offers an intimate glimpse into eleventh-century Japanese court life, written by a lady-in-waiting during the height of Heian culture. Through lively gossip, witty observations, and delicate impressions, Lady Shonagon reveals the rituals, nature, poetry, and social nuances of the aristocracy. Enhanced by Ivan Morris's notes and critical commentary, this work brings to life the refined and complex world of the Heian elite.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$37⁹⁹

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The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon

$37⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in Japanese history and culture, especially those fascinated by Heian-era court life and classical literature. Scholars, students, and enthusiasts of historical memoirs and poetry will find it a richly rewarding and illuminating read.

One of the great classics of Japanese literature, The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon is by far our most detailed source of factual material on life in eleventh-century Japan at the height of Heian culture.

Description

The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon is a fascinating, detailed account of Japanese court life in the eleventh century. Written by a lady of the court at the height of Heian culture, this book enthralls with its lively gossip, witty observations, and subtle impressions.

Lady Shōnagon was an erstwhile rival of Lady Murasaki, whose novel, The Tale of Genji, fictionalized the elite world Lady Shōnagon so eloquently relates. Featuring reflections on royal and religious ceremonies, nature, conversation, poetry, and many other subjects, The Pillow Book is an intimate look at the experiences and outlook of the Heian upper class, further enriched by Ivan Morris's extensive notes and critical contextualization.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Expertly translated by Ivan Morris, The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon has been celebrated as an essential and informative work for Heian studies. Critics praise its vivid portrayal of court life and the engaging personality of its author, ranking it among the most important Japanese literary works. The translation is noted for maintaining literary elegance and depth, offering readers an endearing and unforgettable insight into a fascinating era.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780231073370

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 December 1991

Country: United States

Imprint: Columbia University Press

Contributors:

Translated by Ivan Morris

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 198.0mm

Height: 135.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 419

Collections

Arts & Culture Biography & Memoir Non-Fiction Series: Translations from the Asian Classics

About the Author

Ivan Morris (1925-1976) was considered the most versatile Japanese translator of his generation and wrote widely on modern and ancient Japan. He taught at Columbia University and was chair of its Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. His books include translations of Lady Sarashina's As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams, Jiro Osaragi's The Journey, Ihara Saikaku's The Life of an Amorous Woman, and Yukio Mishima's The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, as well as several historical studies, including The Nobility of Failure: Tragic Heroes in the History of Japan, The World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Ancient Japan, and Nationalism and the Right Wing in Japan: A Study of Postwar Trends.