"The editor has done a splendid job at this herculean task. What is particularly notable in this anthology is the variety of texts included-ancient gazetteers, prayers, sermons, works originally written in Chinese, etc. Many of the works here have not previously been translated, and the included bibliographies are also excellent."
-Joshua Mostow, University of British Columbia
Epic tales of war, erotic poetry, treatises on no drama, and popular anecdotes about evil stepmothers-this eagerly anticipated volume includes a variety of works dating from the very beginnings of the Japanese written language through the evolution of Japan's noted aristocratic court and warrior cultures. It contains stunning new translations of such canonical texts as The Tales of the Heike as well as works and genres previously ignored by scholars and unknown to general readers. By including such a wide range of classic and popular works in poetry, prose, and drama, this volume presents a definitive overview of traditional Japanese literature and deepens our understanding of classical and medieval Japanese culture.
Traditional Japanese Literature presents generous selections from The Tale of Genji, The Tales of the Heike, The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon, and other classics of Japanese literature. The anthology's inclusion of poems from many different genres reflects the multiple roles that poetry played in Japanese society-from courtship to the ritual affirmation of power. In addition to its impressive representation of dramatic works from both high and low culture, this anthology is distinctive in its selection of writings not found in other collections. These include religious and secular anecdotes, literary criticism, comic poetry, folk stories, and works in Chinese written in Japan.
This is a companion volume to Early Modern Japanese Literature: An Anthology, 1600-1900, and part of Columbia University Press's four-volume history of Japanese literature. Arranged by chronology and genre, the readings are preceded by introductions that provide insight into the works' political, cultural, and literary contexts. The extensive bibliographies further enhance the volume's value for scholars and readers interested in Japanese culture.
Contents
Historical Periods, Major Texts and Authors, and Terms
Introduction
1. The Ancient Period
2. The Heian Period
3. The Kamakura Period
4. The Northern and Southern Courts Period
5. The Muromachi Period
English-Language Bibliography
Index
-Joshua Mostow, University of British Columbia
Epic tales of war, erotic poetry, treatises on no drama, and popular anecdotes about evil stepmothers-this eagerly anticipated volume includes a variety of works dating from the very beginnings of the Japanese written language through the evolution of Japan's noted aristocratic court and warrior cultures. It contains stunning new translations of such canonical texts as The Tales of the Heike as well as works and genres previously ignored by scholars and unknown to general readers. By including such a wide range of classic and popular works in poetry, prose, and drama, this volume presents a definitive overview of traditional Japanese literature and deepens our understanding of classical and medieval Japanese culture.
Traditional Japanese Literature presents generous selections from The Tale of Genji, The Tales of the Heike, The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon, and other classics of Japanese literature. The anthology's inclusion of poems from many different genres reflects the multiple roles that poetry played in Japanese society-from courtship to the ritual affirmation of power. In addition to its impressive representation of dramatic works from both high and low culture, this anthology is distinctive in its selection of writings not found in other collections. These include religious and secular anecdotes, literary criticism, comic poetry, folk stories, and works in Chinese written in Japan.
This is a companion volume to Early Modern Japanese Literature: An Anthology, 1600-1900, and part of Columbia University Press's four-volume history of Japanese literature. Arranged by chronology and genre, the readings are preceded by introductions that provide insight into the works' political, cultural, and literary contexts. The extensive bibliographies further enhance the volume's value for scholars and readers interested in Japanese culture.
Contents
Historical Periods, Major Texts and Authors, and Terms
Introduction
1. The Ancient Period
2. The Heian Period
3. The Kamakura Period
4. The Northern and Southern Courts Period
5. The Muromachi Period
English-Language Bibliography
Index