Description
Step into the refined yet emotionally charged world of Japan’s Heian court through the unforgettable diary of Lady Izumi Shikibu (c. 974–1034), one of history’s greatest women poets. Written over a thousand years ago, this remarkable work chronicles her passionate relationship with Prince Atsumichi and reveals a woman of extraordinary intelligence, sensitivity, and emotional depth.
Far more than a historical document, The Diary is an intimate portrait of love, longing, loss, and spiritual awakening. Every exchange of poetry, every carefully observed gesture, and every fleeting moment reflects the uniquely Japanese awareness of beauty and impermanence known as mono no aware.
This edition goes far beyond a traditional translation. Barry Arthur Cotton provides a carefully annotated and extensively researched presentation that illuminates the historical, literary, cultural, and religious world in which Izumi lived. Detailed commentary explains the people, places, court customs, poetic conventions, Buddhist beliefs, seasonal imagery, and literary allusions that would otherwise remain hidden from modern readers, allowing the diary to be experienced with a richness and clarity unavailable in most editions.
Whether you are discovering Izumi Shikibu for the first time or returning to one of the masterpieces of world literature, this volume offers both an engaging reading experience and an invaluable reference for students, scholars, and lovers of Japanese history and culture.
Inside this volume you’ll discover:
• A faithful modern English translation of The Diary of Lady Izumi Shikibu
• Extensive historical, literary, and cultural annotations
• Explanations of classical waka poetry and poetic allusions
• Insights into Heian court life, etiquette, religion, and aesthetics
• Background on the historical figures who shaped Izumi’s life
• An accessible guide to one of the greatest works of classical Japanese literature
Beautifully written, deeply researched, and thoughtfully presented, Lady Izumi Shikibu: The Diary invites readers into one of the most sophisticated literary cultures ever created and into the heart of a woman whose voice continues to resonate across a millennium.
Details
Publisher - Scéalta Sinsear Heritage Press
Language - English
Perfect Bound
Contributors
By author
Barry Arthur Cotton
Published Date - 2026-07-29
ISBN - 9781953317407
Dimensions - 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm
Page Count - 312
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