Saigyo (Paperback)

~ Saigyo (Author), (Translator) "Ice wedged fast in the crevice of the rock this morning begins to melt-under the moss the water will be feeling out a channel..." (more)
Key Phrases: ten poems, court poetry, One Hundred Poems Ten Poems

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This collection includes two hundred poems of Saigyo (1119-1190), one of the most well-known and influential of the traditional Japanese poets.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Japanese --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (June 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 023107493X
• ISBN-13: 978-0231074933
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,071,811 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Poet by a Classic Translator, September 2, 2002

By	Hortensia Anderson "Hortensia Anderson" (nyc, ny, usa) - See all my reviews

The title of this volume of 200 tanka by Saigyo (1118-1190) is "Poems of a Mountain Home" and, indeed, the collection has the scent of Buddhism throughout. Burton Watson has again done a beautiful translation, capturing the spirit of the age without getting artificial and superficial about it.

Mountain village
where wind makes sad noises
in the pines --
and adding to the loneliness
the cry of an evening cicada

(page 146)

I recommend this as a worthy addition to any collection of Japanese poetry.