Ryōkan: Zen Monk-Poet of Japan

<b>First Penguin volume</b><br> <b>Of best Japanese haiku</b><br> <b>Vivid translations</b> <p/>Now a global poetry, the haiku was originally a Japanese verse form that flourished from the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries. Although renowned for its minimalism and brevity, usually running three lines in seventeen syllables, and by its use of natural imagery to make Zen-like observations about reality, in fact the haiku is much more: it can be erotic, funny, crude and mischievous. Presenting over a thousand exemplars in vivid and engaging translations by Adam L. Kern, this anthology offers an illuminating introduction to this widely celebrated, if misunderstood, art form.

<b>One of the three seminal works of Japanese literature--a beautiful collection of poems and tales that offers an unparalleled insight into ancient Japan<br></b><br>Along with the <i>Tale of Genji</i> and <i>One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each, </i>the <i>Tales of Ise</i> is considered one of the three most important works of Japanese literature. A poem-tale collection from the early Heian period, it contains many stories of amorous adventures, faithful friendship, and travels in exile, framing the exquisite poems at the work's heart. <p/>The <i>Tales of Ise</i> has influenced <i>waka</i>, Noh, tales, and diaries since the time it was written, and is still the source of endless inspiration in novels, poetry, <i>manga, </i>and cartoons. This volume has been translated by Peter MacMillan and includes a preface by the renowned Japanologist Donald Keene. <p/>For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each

Chuya, Nakahara

Ueda, Makoto

Carter, Steven D