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Basho
The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Basho
Series: World Literature in Translation
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Basho
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Description
This is the essential English edition of the complete poems of the eminent Japanese master of the haiku, Matsuo Bashō.
Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) is arguably the greatest figure in the history of Japanese literature and the master of the haiku. Bashō: The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Bashō offers in English a full picture of the haiku of Bashō, 980 poems in all. Andrew Fitzsimons’ translation is the first to adhere strictly to form: all of the poems are translated following the syllabic count of the originals. This book also translates a number of Bashō’s headnotes to poems ignored by previous English-language translators.
In Fitzsimons’ beautiful rendering, Bashō is much more than a philosopher of the natural world and the leading exponent of a refined Japanese sensibility. He is also a poet of queer love and eroticism; of the city as well as the country, the indoors and the outdoors, travel and staying put; of lonesomeness as well as the desire to be alone.
His poetry explores the full range of social experience in Edo Japan as he moved among friends and followers high and low, the elite and the demi-monde, the less fortunate: poor farmers, abandoned children, disregarded elders. Bashō: The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Bashō reveals how this work speaks to our concerns today as much as it captures a Japan emerging from the Middle Ages. For dedicated scholars and those coming upon Bashō for the first time, Fitzsimons’ elegant translation—with an insightful introduction and helpful notes—allows readers to enjoy these works in all their glory.
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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?
Basho is praised as a landmark work that offers a fresh perspective on Bashō, depicting him not just as a nature poet but also as a worldly figure. The translations are noted for their authenticity and Zen-like quality, with the skilful work of Fitzsimons bringing new light, beauty, and understanding to Bashō’s haiku, enriching the connection between English readers and Japanese culture.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780520385580
Publisher: University of California Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 25 October 2022
Country: United States
Imprint: University of California Press
Illustration: 1 table
Contributors:
- Translated by Andrew Fitzsimons
Audience: Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 33.0mm
Width: 127.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 408g
Pages: 472
About the Author
Andrew Fitzsimons is Professor of English Language and Cultures at Gakushuin University, Tokyo, and author of The Sea of Disappointment: Thomas Kinsella’s Pursuit of the Real, as well as three books of poetry.
Bashō (1644–1694) is the greatest poet of Japan and one of the major figures of World Literature. His work has inspired haiku to become the most popular poetic form in the world.
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