The Pillow-Book of Sei Shonagon (2 Volume Set) - Hardcover

Ivan Morris

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0192125370 ISBN 13: 9780192125378

Publisher: Columbia University Press, 1967

Synopsis

The Pillow Book (枕草子 Makura no Sōshi?) is a book of observations and musings recorded by Sei Shōnagon during her time as court lady to Empress Consort Teishi (定子) during the 990s and early 11th century in Heian Japan. The book was completed in the year 1002. In it she included lists of all kinds, personal thoughts, interesting events in court, poetry and some opinions on her contemporaries. While it is mostly a personal work, Shōnagon's writing and poetic skill makes it interesting as a work of literature, and it is valuable as a historical document. Part of it was revealed to the Court by accident during Shōnagon's life. The book was first translated into English in 1889 by T. Purcell and W. G. Aston

About this title

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.

Language Notes:

Text: English, Japanese (translation)

About this edition

• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Publication date: 1967
• ISBN 10: 0192125370
• ISBN 13: 9780192125378
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288