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The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon
The Diary of a 10th Century Courtesan in Heian Japan
| Author | Sei Shonagon |
|---|---|
| Translator | Arthur Waley |
| Foreword | Dennin Washburn |
| Price | JPY 1,430 |
| ISBN | 978-4-8053-1108-0 |
| Format | 130×203mm 144pages Hardcover |
| Availability | In stock |
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 Shonagon’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.
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