| The Pillow Book of SEI Shōnagon Contributor(s): Morris, Ivan (Translator) |
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ISBN: 0231073372 ISBN-13: 9780231073370 Publisher: Columbia University Press OUR PRICE: $33.66 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: December 1991 Annotation: Sei Shonagon was a contemporary and erstwhile rival of Lady Murasaki, whose novel "The Tale of Genji" fictionalizes the court life Shonagon describes. "The Pillow Book" is a collection of anecdotes, memories of court and religious ceremonies, character sketches, lists of things the author enjoyed or loathed, places that interested her, diary entries, descriptions of nature, pilgrimages, conversations, poetry exchanges--indeed, almost everything that made up daily life for the upper classes in japan during the Heian period. Her style is so eloquent, her observations so skillfully chosen, and her wit so sharp that even the smallest detail she records can attract and hold the attention of any modern reader. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Biography & Autobiography | Historical - History | Ancient - General - Biography & Autobiography | Personal Memoirs |
| Dewey: B |
| LCCN: 91015757 |
| Series: Translations from the Asian Classics |
| Physical Information: 1.04" H x 5.44" W x 8.01" (1.00 lbs) 419 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - Ancient (To 499 A.D.) |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon is a fascinating, detailed account of Japanese court life in the eleventh century. Written by a lady of the court at the height of Heian culture, this book enthralls with its lively gossip, witty observations, and subtle impressions. Lady Shonagon was an erstwhile rival of Lady Murasaki, whose novel, The Tale of Genji, fictionalized the elite world Lady Shonagon so eloquently relates. Featuring reflections on royal and religious ceremonies, nature, conversation, poetry, and many other subjects, The Pillow Book is an intimate look at the experiences and outlook of the Heian upper class, further enriched by Ivan Morris's extensive notes and critical contextualization. |