Peter Macmillan

A prize-winning translation of the most widely known and popular collection of Japanese poetry Hyakunin Isshu is the most famous and popular collection of Japanese poetry, and the first work of Japanese literature ever to be translated into English. Compiled in the fourteenth century, the book is a collection of one hundred waka poems (a precursor of haiku), dating back to the seventh century. It's had a huge influence on Japanese culture ever since it was first published and is considered one of the three most important works of Japanese classical literature along with The Tale of Genji and Tales of Ise. “For more than seven centuries, these poems have resonated with countless readers ... [Peter MacMillan's] excellent new translation of these poems makes clear why they have mattered so much for so long ... [revealing] the vivid emotions that have kept the heart of the collection beating all this time.” —TIME For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,800 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each

One of the three seminal works of Japanese literature, a beautiful collection of poems and tales that offers an unparalleled insight into ancient Japan Along with the Tale of Genji and One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each, the Tales of Ise may be considered one of the three most important works of Japanese literature. A poem-tale collection from the early Heian period, the narrative is loosely composed around a series of stories spanning the period from a man's youth to his death, and offers deep insight into the world of courtly love in ancient Japan.

Peter Macmillan

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