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The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon

By Sei Shonagon, Ivan Morris (Translator), Robert Baldick (Editor), Betty Radice (Editor), Ivan Morris (Adapter)

(9)

| Paperback | 9780140442366

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Book Description

Sei Shōnagon was a court lady in tenth-century Japan at the height of the Heian culture. In her Pillow Book she notes down all the things that attract, displease or interest her in daily life. She was an enthusiast for good manners and good taste — whether this applied to dress, servants or the corrContinue

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The Truth

Do you imagine demure young ladies with silken long hair hiding behind rice paper screens when you think of medieval Japan? I suppose they existed, but this "pillow book," a kind of diary, reveals the opinions of one lady behind the screen, that was far from that storybook image. In her writings s ... (continue)

Do you imagine demure young ladies with silken long hair hiding behind rice paper screens when you think of medieval Japan? I suppose they existed, but this "pillow book," a kind of diary, reveals the opinions of one lady behind the screen, that was far from that storybook image. In her writings she reveals the things she likes, and those she despises. She is not afraid to point out annoying behaviors of the ladies around her and the suitors that visit. This is a must read to see a little different side of the fairy tale image we have put on this era of Japanese history.

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KyotoCutie said on Apr 9, 2007 | Add your feedback