The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon: The Diary of a Courtesan in Tenth Century Japan
Sei Shonagon & Arthur Waley (trans.)
Language: English, Japanese
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Published: Jan 1, 1002
Collection:
Nonfiction
Reading Ease:
73.7
Genre:
Nonfiction (General)
Page Count:
127
Topic:
Japan
Word Count:
34779
Book Details
...
Description:
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 Sho-nagon'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.