Bibliograph

The pillow book of Sei Shonagon, the diary of a courtesan in tenth century Japan, translated by Arthur Waley ; with a foreword by Dennis Washburn

Type

Label

The pillow book of Sei Shonagon, the diary of a courtesan in tenth century Japan, translated by Arthur Waley ; with a foreword by Dennis Washburn

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references

resource.biographical

contains biographical information

Illustrations

illustrationsplates

Index

no index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The pillow book of Sei Shonagon

Nature of contents

bibliographydictionaries

Oclc number

759837910

Responsibility statement

translated by Arthur Waley ; with a foreword by Dennis Washburn

Sub title

the diary of a courtesan in tenth century Japan

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 Shōnagon'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"--, Provided by publisher

Table Of Contents

Foreword -- Translator's notes -- Japan in the tenth century

Classification