Anthology of Japanese Literature: From the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century (UNESCO Collection of Representative Works: European) [Paperback]

Donald Keene (Editor)

Book Description

Series: UNESCO Collection of Representative Works: European | Publication Date: January 11, 1994

The sweep of Japanese literature in all its great variety was made available to Western readers for the first time in this anthology. Every genre and style, from the celebrated No plays to the poetry and novels of the seventeenth century, find a place in this book. An introduction by Donald Keene places the selections in their proper historical context, allowing the readers to enjoy the book both as literature and as a guide to the cultural history of Japan. Selections include “Man’yoshu” or “Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves” from the ancient period; “Kokinshu” or “Collection of Ancient and Modern Poetry,” “The Tosa Diary” of Ki No Tsurayuki, “Yugao” from “Tales of Genji” of Murasaki Shikibu, and “The Pillow Book” of Sei Shonagon from the Heian Period; “The Tale of the Heike” from the Kamakura Period; Plan of the No Stage, “Birds of Sorrow” of Seami Motokiyo, and “Three Poets at Minase” from the Muromachi Period; and Sections from Basho, including “The Narrow Road of Oku,” “The Love Suicides at Sonezaki” by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, and Waka and haiku of the Tokugawa Period.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Grove Press (January 11, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802150586
• ISBN-13: 978-0802150585
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Asian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is brilliant!, January 16, 2004

By 

Jesse D. Watson (North Dakota) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Anthology of Japanese Literature: From the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century (UNESCO Collection of Representative Works: European) (Paperback)

What a wonderful survey of Japanese literature from the very beginning! Ending around 1870 actually makes sense. In fact, even doing that, a lot is still left out, I'm sure, but that's what the various modern readers are for.

I had no idea this was originally published in 1955. It fooled me. I didn't know about its history or the history of its editor. I just picked it up, opened it, and began reading.

I have a pretty decent background in Japanese history and humanities, so I started skimming for favorites that I'd read ABOUT but never actually READ. Lots are in there. Even better, there's a bunch I'd never heard of, and I suppose that was the original idea.

I agree that this could be a little deeper, but cripes, it's from 1955. I'm sure it's time for a new anthology, yes, but let's not ignore this one.

The Heian era in particular provided the backdrop to the creation of some of the world's most amazing literature. Murasaki Shikibu is represented here. It would be a travesty if she were not. She's quite the interesting character, as is her rival, whose name I cannot spell off-hand and do not want to embarrass myself with. :)

There are lots of readers on the market. I've acquired most of them. As much as I enjoy the modern readers with their bite, edge and esoteric qualities (there is just something indescribable about modern Japanese culture, whether it be literature, manga, anime or video games), there will always be such a spot in my heart for this stuff, particularly that of the Heian era.

For anyone who's a fan of Japan, this isn't to be missed.

Thank you for allowing me to gush. :)

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reading!, March 2, 2009

By 

Sir Ralph "mark_from_sf" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anthology of Japanese Literature: From the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century (UNESCO Collection of Representative Works: European) (Paperback)

I bought this in the Tokyo airport for my flight back to the U.S. Wow! There are two quick points I would like to make:

First, this is highly readable. This is not like reading Beowolf (or something contemporary like that). Even though some of the works date back to before 1000 AD, they have a very modern feel. It is very easy to read.

Second, you will get an insight into the level of civilization that has existed in Japan. It will help you to understand why Europeans of 1500 were referred to as barbarians.

If you're interested, buy it and read it. I don't think you'll regret it.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's difficult to praise this compilation book enough, November 6, 2004

By 

Mendicant Pigeon "Mendicant Pigeon" (pdx, or United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anthology of Japanese Literature from the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century (Paperback)

I am a hater. I hate compilation albums, retrospectives, anthologies, and Best of amalgamations. Yet, I love this book. I love it not only because of its broad scope and bright choices. I love it also because the editor, one Donald Keene, has an an unusual and brilliant talent for choosing superb translations for each and every one of the entries in this book. If you've ever stubbed your mind's toe on poor translations of the Japanese Haiku poem, you will appreciate how delicate a thing it is to translate from the Japanese that ineffable thing which induces awe, where a misplaced gerund would snarf it.
This bright and brilliant compote of literary plums (poetry, plays, stories and excerpts) will have you slavering if not palavering for more. I think you ought to treat yourself to this, I already do!