Anthology of Japanese Literature: From the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century

by Donald Keene and edited Keene, Donald

Book Overview

The sweep of Japanese literature in all its great variety was made available to Western readers for the first time in this anthology. Every genre and style, from the celebrated No plays to the poetry and novels of the seventeenth century, find a place in this book. An introduction by Donald Keene places the selections in their proper historical context, allowing the readers to enjoy the book both as literature and as a guide to the cultural history...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802150586
• ISBN13: 9780802150585
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Grove Press
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

This is brilliant!

What a wonderful survey of Japanese literature from the very beginning! Ending around 1870 actually makes sense. In fact, even doing that, a lot is still left out, I'm sure, but that's what the various modern readers are for.I had no idea this was originally published in 1955. It fooled me. I didn't know about its history or the history of its editor. I just picked it up, opened it, and began reading.I have a pretty decent background in Japanese history and humanities, so I started skimming for favorites that I'd read ABOUT but never actually READ. Lots are in there. Even better, there's a bunch I'd never heard of, and I suppose that was the original idea.I agree that this could be a little deeper, but cripes, it's from 1955. I'm sure it's time for a new anthology, yes, but let's not ignore this one. The Heian era in particular provided the backdrop to the creation of some of the world's most amazing literature. Murasaki Shikibu is represented here. It would be a travesty if she were not. She's quite the interesting character, as is her rival, whose name I cannot spell off-hand and do not want to embarrass myself with. :)There are lots of readers on the market. I've acquired most of them. As much as I enjoy the modern readers with their bite, edge and esoteric qualities (there is just something indescribable about modern Japanese culture, whether it be literature, manga, anime or video games), there will always be such a spot in my heart for this stuff, particularly that of the Heian era.For anyone who's a fan of Japan, this isn't to be missed.Thank you for allowing me to gush. :)