Love Poems from the Japanese (Shambhala Library) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Kenneth Rexroth (Translator) "I loathe the twin seas Of being and not being And long for the mountain Of bliss untouched by The changing tides..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Kenneth Rexroth's readings from the Japanese master poets are breathtaking in their simplicity and clarity."— New York Times Book Review "Rexroth's subtle translations influenced a generation of American writers. As the examples in this miniature anthology demonstrate, he refused to flatten the text by spelling out every reference and allusion, preserving the Japanese ideal of offering a spring board for the reader's imagination."— L.A. Times Book Review

Product Description

Drawn from classical, medieval, and modern sources—including the imperial collections of the Manyoshu and Kokinshu—the poems in this collection are some of the greatest love poems from the Japanese tradition. The poems range in tone from the spiritual longing of an isolated monk to the erotic ecstasy of a court princess—but share the extraordinary simplicity and luminosity of language that marks Kenneth Rexroth's verse style. An introduction by the poet and translator Sam Hamill, the editor of this collection, and short biographies of the poets are included. The Shambhala Library is a series of exquisitely designed and produced cloth editions of the world's spiritual and literary classics, both ancient and modern. Perfect for collecting or as gifts, each volume features a sewn binding, decorative endsheets, and a ribbon marker—a delightful-to-hold 4 ¼ x 6 ¾ trim size.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1 edition (January 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570629765
• ISBN-13: 978-1570629761
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #658,499 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #10 in

  Books > Literature & Fiction > Authors, A-Z > ( R ) > Rexroth, Kenneth

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant and Exquisite!, July 26, 2004

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

A diverse collection from classical, mediaeval and modern sources
including Manyoshu and Kokinshu, the poems have an elegant
simplicity. Brief biographies of the poets are supplied.
An exquisite volume well worth owning. It makes an excellent gift.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect introduction to the subject., September 24, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: LOVE POEMS FROM THE JAPANESE (Shambhala Pocket Classics) (Paperback)

Great things come in small packages has never been so true as it is with this little gem. Erotic, profound, and always beautiful, this is Japanese poetry at its short, short best. Read and enjoy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Japanese LOVE poems, January 3, 2007

By	G. SANSOM "Gareth Sansom" (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Just what you need if your wife needs an indication that you are still "there"!