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The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon

By Ivan Morris (Translator)

(9)

| Paperback | 9780231073370

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Book Description

One of the great classics of Japanese literature, The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon is by far our most detailed source of factual material on life in eleventh-century Japan at the height of Heian culture.

1 Review

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