Librarything is a cataloging and social networking site for booklovers. The pillow book of sei shonagon ramblings on my bookshelves. Feb 22, 2014 the pillow book, by sei shonagon various publishers. The pillow book, makura no soshi is a book of observations and musings recorded by sei shonagon during her time as court lady to empress consort teishi during the 990s and early s in heian japan. Jul 30, 2008 sei shonagon s pillow book, written by a court gentlewoman in 10th century japan, is thoroughly enjoyable. Through his elegant and readable abridged translation, arthur waley perfectly conveys sei shonagon s girlish temperament and quirky. Mar 11, 2012 the pillow book is a collection of anecdotes and personal reflections on life in the japanese royal court composed around the turn of the 11th century by a woman known as sei shonagon.
The pillow book of sei shonagon the penguin classics by shonagon, sei and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. Themakura no soshi, orthe pillow bookas it is generally known in english, is a collection of personal reflections and anecdotes about life in the japanese royal court composed around the turn of the eleventh century by a woman known as sei shonagon. The pillow book by sei shonagon was written in the 11th. While others may be more familiar with murasaki shikibus the tale of genji as an example of classic japanese literature of the time, i chose the pillow book instead i always lean towards bucking the trend and i was intrigued by what i had read of sei.
From her protected position in the japanese imperial court. Diary, sei shonagon 1 sei shonagon, a lady in waiting to empress teishi or sadako, left a journal of anecdotes, impressions, and commentary called the pillowbook covering the years 986 c. Unfortunately, the pillow book is the only remaining text by sei shonagon, and her life after she left court in a. The pillow book of sei shonagon, reminding her that when she turns twentyeight, in 2000, the pillow book will be one thousand years old. Sei shonagon, the author of the pillow book, was born in 966 or 967, the daughter of kiyohara no motosuke. The pillow book of sei shonagon classics by sei shonagon and a great selection of related. In the seventh episode of literary canon ball, we discuss sei shonagons the pillow book. Chapter literature selection the pillow book 12 by sei shonagon. She was a contemporary and acquaintance of the wellknown courtesan murasaki shikibu, author of the japanese masterpiece the tale of genji. Make sure to subscribe to my channel if you want to see more. Reliable information about the coronavirus covid19 is available from the world health organization current situation, international travel.
Sei shonagon was born in japan around the year 965 ce and served as a lady in waiting to empress sadako. In her pillow book, she gives an account of the things she saw and her feelings. The pillow book of sei shonagon oxfams online shop. Published in series with charles van sandwyks bestselling how to see fairies, mr rabbits symphony of nature and other tails is a new folio society treasury of poems and stories, all beautifully illustrated. In her journal, sei shonagon describes events that happened in her daily life, e.
Thats the overall impression i got from this book it reads very much like a modern livejournal or blog, being a collection of random observations on whatever shonagon. Aug 01, 2009 sei shonagon was born in japan around the year 965 ce and served as a lady in waiting to empress sadako. Series 2 fire episode 1 of 5 by robert forrest first broadcast on bbc radio 4, monday 08 june 2009 second series inspired by the writings of sei shonagon, the 10th. Its lyrical style and compelling images have captured the imagination of readers worldwide. This position afforded shonagon an ideal opportunity to observe the people and customs at the royal court in heian. Go to the editions section to read or download ebooks. Sei shonagon was ladyinwaiting to the empress sadako. If one or more works are by a distinct, homonymous authors, go ahead and split the author. The pillow book is the diary of sei shonagon, a courtesan at the imperial court of japan in the late 10th and early 11th century. A common custom of the time period, courtiers used to keep notes or a diary in a wooden pillow with a drawer. Her observations are contained in a loosely organized collection of 185 sketches, lists, and anecdotes known as the pillow. Nov 30, 2006 the pillow book ebook written by sei shonagon.
Thats the overall impression i got from this book it reads very much like a modern livejournal or blog, being a collection of random observations on whatever shonagon found interesting, lists of things she likes or dislikes, and snippets or scraps of poetry. Written by a lady of the court at the height of heian culture, this book enthralls with its lively gossip, witty observations, and subtle impressions. Shonagon was a ladyinwaiting to empress teishi as well as a contemporary and rival of murasaki shikibu, the author of the tale of genji and a ladyinwaiting who served empress. Nov 30, 2006 the pillow book of sei shonagon is a fascinating look at japanese court culture during the 11th century heian period 794 to 1186. The pillow book of sei shonagon a journal of sorts really is a collection of thoughts, impressions, lists and daily events of her life as a courtesan in the imperial palace. The author is sei shonagon, and she was given some notebooks that were lying around the palace that no one else wanted. Here is the pillow book of sei shonagon from the folio society. The language is beautiful and haunting sei shonagon s writings were both wholly alien and disturbingly familiar to a western man in the 21st century.
The pillow book of sei shonagon is a fascinating look at japanese court culture during the 11th century heian period 794 to 1186. Uncles folio book collection folio society devotees. Published in series with charles van sandwyks bestselling how to see fairies, mr rabbits symphony of nature and other tails is a new folio society treasury of poems and stories, all beautifully illustrated and elaborately decorated. Shrugging off praise, shonagon admits, i am the sort of person who approves of what others abhor and detests the things they like. For me although i dont have many folio books, i really admire the standard folio i. All about the pillow book of sei shonagon by sei shonagon. We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. A precursor of the genre zuihitsu random jottings the more literal meaning to proceed, or follow, with a brush, this literary form made its appearance under the title makura no soshi, or notes of the pillow. A pillow book is an openended and spontaneous collection of fragments, and as such may include lists, observations, poems, short personal essays and diary entries. Pillow book of sei shonagon vita nuova this aspires to le in spirit at least a beautiful book troilus and criseyde the fairie queene. The pillow book sei shonagon poems, translated into engliish. The pillow book of sei shonagon is a fascinating, detailed account of japanese court life in the eleventh century.
If sei shonagon were alive today, she would be a livejournalist. In her pillow book, she gives an account of the things she saw and her. These poems were written by sei shonagon, a ladyin waiting at the japanese heian dynastyimperial court at the very end of the 10th century and they were the core of directors peter greeenaway film the pillow book. Shrugging off praise, shonagon admits, i am the sort of person who approves of what others abhor and detests the things. Sei shonagons pillow book, written by a court gentlewoman in 10th century japan, is thoroughly enjoyable. The pillow book is a book of observations and musings recorded by sei shonagon during her time as court lady to empress consort teishi during the 990s and early s in heian japan. The pillow book is her journal, and the topics she covers are varied. A fat person with a great amount of hair looks hot someone whos.
Through his elegant and readable abridged translation, arthur waley perfectly conveys sei shonagon. In fact, although i didnt choose to do this, you could take a hint from the book s title and read a little bit of it as you hit the pillow. Giphy finding a large number of tales that one has not read before. The diary of a courtesan in tenth century japan dennis washburn. The pillow book of sei shonagon penguin classics 01 november 1971 paperback b format, 416 pages, illustrations, maps, plan, bibliography penguin books ltd london, uk isbn 0140442367 dimensions in millimeters. The pillow book by sei shonagon, 9780140448061, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. May 29, 2015 the folio society is a ukbased publisher of hardbacks only and their books are beautiful. Beautifully illustrated hardcover books folio society. The work of shonagon consists of a collection of essays, anecdotes, poems, and descriptive passages that have little connection to one. His four walls were bookcases that were filled with books.
As the light creeps over the hills, their outlines are dyed a faint red and wisps of purplish cloud trail over them. Buy the pillow book of sei shonagon by sei shonagon online at alibris. Written over 1,000 years ago, this is the rare and precious record of a highly sophisticated woman living a privileged and protected life at the japanese imperial court. The pillow book of sei shonagon is one of the earliest examples of diary literature whose passages chronicle the events of the court calendar, the ceremonies and celebrations specific to. The pillow book, by sei shonagon various publishers. These poems sadly are not translated in the film and this is your only chance to discover them. They publish illustrated editions of classics of fiction and non fiction. Shonagon was a sophisticated woman from a privileged background. The pillow book by sei shonagon professional moron.
Buy the pillow book of sei shonagon twentyninth printing by sei shonagon, ivan morris, robin duke isbn. Mar 10, 2011 the pillow book of sei shonagon was a product of a tenthcentury courtiers experiences in the palace of empress teishi. The pillow book of sei shonagon by sei shonagon librarything. I call it a diary but the pillow book is so much more. The pillow book of sei shonagon ivan morris 1979 the black death philip ziegler 1997 count belisarius robert graves 2010 melmoth the wanderer charles maturin 1993. Jan 19, 2010 unfortunately, the pillow book is the only remaining text by sei shonagon, and her life after she left court in a. A perfect companion to that work, the pillow book of sei shonagon brings an added dimension to murasakis timeless and seminal novel and further illuminates japanese court life in all its ritualistic glory. Women essential questions the author what we dont know about sei shonagon. The pillow book is a book of observations and musings recorded by sei shonagon during her time as court lady to empress consort teishi during the 990s and early 11th century in heian japan. Inspired by the ancient japanese journal of sei shonagon, lady in waiting to empress teishi sadako, pillow book gallery is the chronicle of life and love. Sei shonagon completed the pillow book in the year 1002. Apr 20, 2017 the pillow book makura no soshi is a personalised account of life at the japanese court by sei shonagon which she completed c. The pillow book is a journal written by a tenthcentury ladyinwaiting to the empress of japan.
Click to read more about the pillow book of sei shonagon by sei shonagon. Buy the pillow book of sei shonagon twentyninth printing by sei. Her name her birthdeath date her relationships husbandchildren her life after the court what we know about sei shonagon. Click to read more about the pillow book of sei shonagon. Pillow book sei shonagon text image collections book. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
The pillow book of sei shonagon by sei shonagon alibris. The pillow book of sei shonagon by arthur waley overdrive. The pillow book of sei shonagon is an important eleventhcentury work that provides a glimpse into heian society, especially that of the court and higher classes. This study guide consists of approximately 32 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of the pillow book of sei sh. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the pillow book. At one time the folio society did have a canadian office in pickering, which made it easier for. The pillow book the fabulous illustrated edition from the folio society. Sei shonagon was a ladyinwaiting to empress sadako during the last decade of the 10th century in japan. Jul 12, 2011 sei shonagona young courtesan of the heian periodkept a diary, which provides a highly personal account of the intrigues, dalliances, quirks, and habits of japans late tenthcentury elite.
The book is full of humorous observations okashi written in the style of a diary, an approach known as zuihitsustyle rambling of which the pillow book was the first and greatest example. Or acquiring the second volume of a tale whose first volume. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Pillow book by sei shonagon, first edition abebooks. Sei shonagon is currently considered a single author. 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 eleventhcentury japan at the height of heian culture.
1288 1215 94 968 1018 358 906 1071 115 1263 643 35 365 966 1444 1179 1468 1496 834 555 821 1388 1406 507 1278 1097 779 717 602 810 731 588 63 770