Chiyo-ni: Woman Haiku Master (Paperback)

~ (Author), Yoshie Ishibashi (Author) "Basho and Chiyo-ni: when thinking of famous haiku poets these two names have always been in the forefront..." (more)
Key Phrases: Matto City Museum, Way of Haikai, East Asia (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Excellent!” -- The Writer

Product Description

Chiyo-Ni (1703-1775) is one of Japan's most unusual and renowned haiku poets, and this volume, the first major translation of her work in English, contains over 100 haiku, reproduced in Japanese script, Romaji, and in English. Chiyo-ni was one of the very few great female poets from an age when haiku was dominated by men. Her verses embody Zen-like simplicity and female sensuality, and reflect her life as a Buddhist nun, painter and poet who lived a life of supreme independence and aesthetic sensibility.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (September 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804820538
• ISBN-13: 978-0804820530
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,382,341 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ground-breaking, extraordinary book., May 18, 1999

By	William J. Higginson (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews

Pat Donegan is a serious American poet who has taught with Allen Ginsberg and others at Naropa Institute and studied haiku in Japan with the then-leading Japanese master, Seishi Yamaguchi. Her co-translator, Yoshie Ishibashi, is descended from an old line of poets and artists and served as Seishi's and Donegan's translator, absorbing a deep appreciation for haiku in the process.

Ishibashi's research and Donegan's excellent sense of the English needed for the translations, plus the many rich extras in this carefully designed and organized book (full kasen by Chiyo-ni and colleagues, excellent intro, etc.) all combine to make this a must-have for any serious student of haiku. Goes a long way toward redressing the unwarranted bad rap laid on Japanese women haiku poets.

Notes by William J. Higginson (The Haiku Handbook, The Haiku Seasons, Haiku World, etc.)

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chiyo-ni, to me, is the true haiku master., July 29, 1999

By A Customer

As much as I love and respect the works of the well-knownmasters, especially Issa and Basho, I must admit that the haiku of Chiyo-ni,to me, rings truer!I treasure this outstanding collection, and how fortunate we are to have these at our disposal.Donegan and Ishibashi are to be congratulated and thanked.So perfectly clear and stunning is each poem that I read only a few at a time - to savor them.Highly recommended for anyone interested in haiku, and anyone who desires a complete collection of great haiku.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As soft as plum blossom fragrance, October 18, 2001

By A Customer

I really enjoyed this beautifully written biography of Chiyo-Ni, as well as the the banquet of her exquisite haiku. In addition, there are many examples of drawings/paintings done of her by her contemporaries. I would highly recommend this book, and have re-read the haiku many times. Chiyo-Ni is truly a master of her art and it is so fortunate that her works have survived for our enjoyment.