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The Pillow Book of SEI Shonagon: The Diary of a Courtesan in Tenth Century Japan
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The Pillow Book of SEI Shonagon: The Diary of a Courtesan in Tenth Century Japan Hardcover - 2011

by Arthur Waley (Translator); Foreword by Dennis Washburn


Summary

Japan in the 10th century stood physically and culturally isolated from the rest of the world. Inside this bubble, a subtle and beautiful world was in operation, and its inhabitants were tied to the moment, having no interest in the future and disdain for the past. In a small diary, a young courtesan of the Heian period gives her account of the Japanese courts of the day, providing perspective on a unique time in Japanese history. A contemporary of Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji, Sei Sho-nagon's commentary brings an added dimension to that timeless and seminal work.

In a place and time where poetry was as important as knowledge and beauty was highly revered, Sei Shonagon's private writings give the reader a charming and intimate glimpse into a time of isolated innocence and pale beauty.

From the publisher

Arthur Waley (1889-1966) taught himself Chinese and Japanese after being appointed Assistant Keeper of Oriental Prints and Manuscripts at the British Museum. He was one of the most respected translators of Asian classics into English of his time, with his translated works including The Tale of Genji, Monkey (The Journey to the West) , The Noh Plays of Japan and The Analects of Confucius.

Details

  • Title The Pillow Book of SEI Shonagon: The Diary of a Courtesan in Tenth Century Japan
  • Author Arthur Waley (Translator); Foreword by Dennis Washburn
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition Hardcover with J
  • Pages 144
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Tuttle Publishing
  • Date 2011-03-10
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Dust Cover, Illustrated
  • ISBN 9784805311080 / 4805311088
  • Weight 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.7 in (19.30 x 13.21 x 1.78 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: Medieval (500-1453) Studies
    • Cultural Region: Asian - Japanese
    • Sex & Gender: Feminine
  • Library of Congress subjects Japan - History - Heian period, 794-1185, Sei Shonagon
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2010026057
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

Media reviews

"His [Waley] is the most appealing version for the general reader."—Michael Dirda, Pulitzer-prize winning columnist

About the author

Arthur Waley (1889-1966) taught himself Chinese and Japanese after being appointed Assistant Keeper of Oriental Prints and Manuscripts at the British Museum. He was one of the most respected translators of Asian classics into English of his time, with his translated works including The Tale of Genji, Monkey (The Journey to the West) , The Noh Plays of Japan and The Analects of Confucius.
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