Ono no Komachi

Izumi Shikibu

Translations of selected Japanese poems by women of the ancient court of Japan are accompanied by explanatory notes

Love Poems

The Ink Dark Moon

Diario di Izumi Shikibu

EL DIARIO DE LA DAMA IZUMI

Izumi Shikibu (978- ), a prominent member of the Heian court, was perhaps the greatest her country has ever known. In this diary Shikibu shares with every turn in her tempestuous relationship with Prince Atsumichi, a relationship that began with the casual exchange of poems, and culminated in her joining the prince at the imperial court.

The Izumi Shikibu Nikki

Murasaki Shikibu

Lady Sarashina

This collection of diaries chronicles the lives of three women at court during the Heian era. The women detail their marriages, affairs, and travels across the country in three distinct styles. Lady Sarashina's work stands out for its descriptions of her travels and pilgrimages, making it one of the first in the genre of travel writing. Murasaki Shikibu's diary consists of a number of vignettes portraying important events, and Izumi Shikibu used her strength as a poet to detail her life in a collection of poetry. The Heian period is considered the peak of the Japanese imperial court and noted for its art, particularly poetry and literature. Nobles and ladies-in-waiting were expected to be well versed in the art of writing poetry as a mark of their status. Every occasion could call for the writing of a verse, from the birth of a child to the coronation of an emperor, or even a pretty scene of nature. The Lives of Three Women in 11th Century Japan is a collection of historical records detailing the role poetry and literature played in the Heian imperial court. This cloth-bound book includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket, and is limited to 100 copies.

The Lives of Three Women in 11th Century Japan (100 Copy Collector's Edition)

Sugawara no Takasue no Musume

The Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan offers a captivating exploration into the intricacies of Heian period literature and culture. This anthology brings together a collection of diaristic narratives crafted by three eminent figures of the era: Sugawara no Takasue no Musume, Izumi Shikibu, and Murasaki Shikibu. Their writings traverse the emotional and political landscapes of the Japanese imperial court, revealing both the subtle and overt power dynamics at play. The anthology displays a rich tapestry of prose and poetry that exemplifies the literary elegance of the time, with standout pieces that weave personal reflections with broader societal observations, showcasing the distinct voices that have shaped the historical and cultural narratives of Japan. The contributing authors, each a celebrated figure in their own right, create a multifaceted dialogue through their works. Sugawara no Takasue no Musume's introspective musings, Izumi Shikibu's poetic passions, and Murasaki Shikibu's nuanced storytelling converge to offer diverse perspectives on court life. Their combined legacies illuminate the intersection of literary and cultural movements of early Japan, providing a window into the world of Heian aristocracy. Engaging with this collection offers readers not only a glimpse into a bygone era of Japanese history but also a deep appreciation for the aesthetic and intellectual currents that shaped it. For those seeking to comprehend the intricate weave of personal and political narratives in pre-modern Japan, Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan provides an invaluable compilation, inviting readers to experience the resonance of these historical voices within a single, enlightening volume. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - An Introduction draws the threads together, discussing why these diverse authors and texts belong in one collection. - Historical Context explores the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped these works, offering insight into the shared (or contrasting) eras that influenced each writer. - A combined Synopsis (Selection) briefly outlines the key plots or arguments of the included pieces, helping readers grasp the anthology's overall scope without giving away essential twists. - A collective Analysis highlights common themes, stylistic variations, and significant crossovers in tone and technique, tying together writers from different backgrounds. - Reflection questions encourage readers to compare the different voices and perspectives within the collection, fostering a richer understanding of the overarching conversation.

Enriched edition. Intricate Diaries of Heian Court Life

Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan

Love Poems by Ono No Komachi and Izumi Shikibu, Women of the Ancient Court of Japan

A captivating and unexpected collection of two female Japanese poets from the 9th and 10th centuries

Here is a collection of sexy, brief, fleeting poems about love, lust and longing. They originate from a time in Japanese history where aristocratic women of the Heian court were free to marry and conduct love affairs according to their desires. Education and refinement were so highly valued that the courtly manner of expressing oneself, whether to give condolences for a death, to send back a forgotten fan, or to heighten the anticipation of a lover's visit, was with a poem of just five lines. A convention of secrecy surrounding love affairs fills these verses with palpable emotion.

These vivid and erotic poems express love in all its forms, and do so with amazing economy of words, unforgettable imagery and breath-taking modernity.

INTRODUCED BY NIKITA GILL

'They are full of dreams, of autumns, of lovers known or not yet met, of desire, wonderment, loneliness' Irish Times

Translated by Jane Hirshfield with Mariko Aratani, this is an edition that brings the story of the poems to life with a detailed introduction and notes on the translation. 

Izumi Shikibu

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