Basho Matsuo

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Essential Basho

Basho Matsuo; Sam Hamill; Shambhala

Synopsis:
Basho (1644-1694) -- the most revered poet of Japanese literature -- is best known in the West as the author of "Narrow Road to the Interior", a travel diary of his journey through northern Japan. Included here is a masterful translation of this poignant work, as well as three newly translated travel diaries and a selection of over two hundred and fifty of Basho's best haiku. The translator has also provided an introduction detailing Basho's life and work and an essay on the art of haiku. Basho elevated the haiku to an art form of utter simplicity and intense spiritual beauty. His travel diaries of linked prose and haiku created a new genre of writing that inspired generations of Japanese poets. He is well-loved in the West as well: his Narrow Road to the Far North, by Nobuyuki Yuasa (Penguin, 1966), has gone through 21 printings. This new and broader sample of his writings is the perfect introduction to his work.

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Other editions: 2006, Softcover - 2005, Hardcover - 2005, Softcover - 2004, Softcover - 2004, Hardcover - 2004, Softcover - 2000, 1999, Softcover - 1997, 1996