Love Poems from the Japanese

By: Sam Hamill

Book Overview

Drawn from classical, medieval, and modern sources-- including the imperial collections of the "Manyoshu" and "Kokinshu-- "the poems in this collection are some of the greatest love poems from the Japanese tradition. The poems range in tone from the spiritual longing of an isolated monk to the erotic ecstasy of a court princess-- but share the extraordinary simplicity and luminosity of language that marks Kenneth Rexroth's verse style. An introduction...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 087773982X
• ISBN13: 9780877739821
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Shambhala Publications
• Length: 129 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 3.0" x 4.5"

Customer Reviews

Love Across the Ages

Love Poems from the Japanese is a elegant, little book that would be the perfect gift for a special other. Its short poems, of only four or five lines, have a very big impact. Written as early as the 8th century and up to the present, the poems encapsulate all the emotions triggered by love: joy and sorrow, success and loss, pleasure and pain. It is amazing and rewarding that these poems, penned so long ago, express all the feelings lovers experience today. There is an index that briefly identifies each poet, and the superb translations allows us to quickly and deeply enter into each poem's essence. Whether in love or not -- treat yourself to this book!

Lovely Japanese LOVE poems

Just what you need if your wife needs an indication that you are still "there"!

The Autumnal dusk of life...

If you have a heart that is full of longing, a life that slips past too quickly, a love long lost or not yet known, a yearning for the spring, an ache for a distant tune partly forgotten or the remembrance of the scent of spring, then this book is for you. It will not lighten the load you bear, but it makes bearing it all the more meaningful. More Wabi Sabi

Elegant and Exquisite!

A diverse collection from classical, mediaeval and modern sources including Manyoshu and Kokinshu, the poems have an elegant simplicity. Brief biographies of the poets are supplied. An exquisite volume well worth owning. It makes an excellent gift.

A perfect introduction to the subject.

Great things come in small packages has never been so true as it is with this little gem. Erotic, profound, and always beautiful, this is Japanese poetry at its short, short best. Read and enjoy.