Skip to product information
1 of 1

The Pillow Book Of Sei Shōnagon

The Pillow Book Of Sei Shōnagon

4.02 (rated by 9426 readers on Goodreads)
Regular price $13.40
Sold out
Buy the book from:
Japan in the 10th century stood physically and culturally isolated from the rest of the world. Inside this bubble, a subtle and beautiful world was in operation, and its inhabitants were tied to the moment, having no interest in the future and disdain for the past.

The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon was a product of a tenth-century courtier's experiences in the palace of Empress Teishi. A common custom of the time period, courtiers used to keep notes or a diary in a wooden pillow with a drawer. This "pillow book" reflects the confident aesthetic judgments of Shonagon and her ability to create prose that crossed into the realm of the poetic.

A contemporary of Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji, this small diary brings an added dimension to Murasaki's timeless and seminal work.

Arthur Waley's elegant translation of The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon captures the beauty of its prose and the vitality of Shonagon's narrative voice, as well as her quirky personality traits.

Details of Book

ISBN13: 9784805311080
ISBN10: 4805311088
Language: Japanese
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Publication Year: 2011
Format: Hardcover

A note on book covers: while we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

View full details
  • One Line Summary

    Witty glimpse into aristocratic life in 10th-century Japan.

  • Who is this book for?

    This book is a delightful window into the elegant and nuanced world of 10th-century Japan, filled with sharp observations and charming personal reflections. Fans of historical insights blended with poetic language often find Shonagon's writing richly engaging, as her keen senses and personality shine through her notes. It's perfect if you're curious about court life, Japanese culture, or enjoy beautifully crafted prose that feels both intimate and timeless.

Your cart
Bookshop Total Quantity Price Total
Thryft - Used (Like New)Thryft is a trusted platform for quality secondhand books at great prices.
Thryft - Used (Like New)Thryft is a trusted platform for quality secondhand books at great prices.
$13.40/ea
$0.00
Sold out
$13.40/ea $0.00

View cart
0

Total items

$0.00

Subtotal

View cart