Although the consciousness of death is, in most cultures, very much a part of life, this is perhaps nowhere more true than in Japan, where the approach of death has given rise to a centuries-old tradition of writing jisei, or the "death poem." Such a poem is often written in the very last moments of the poet's life.
Hundreds of Japanese death poems, many with a commentary describing the circumstances of the poet's death, have been translated into English here, the vast majority of them for the first time. Compiler Yoel Hoffmann explores the attitudes and customs surrounding death in historical and present-day Japan and gives examples of how these have been reflected in the nation's literature in general. The development of writing jisei is then examined—from the longing poems of the early nobility and the more "masculine" verses of the samurai to the satirical death poems of later centuries.
Zen Buddhist ideas about death are also described as a preface to the collection of Chinese death poems by Zen monks that are also included. Finally, the last section contains three hundred twenty haiku, some of which have never been assembled before, in translated English and romanized Japanese.
Treat Yourself!
Japanese Death Poems | Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death
Sale price
$14.99
Regular price
$19.99You saved$5.00 OFF
Shipping calculated at checkout
Adding product to your cart
Use the form below and someone will email you back or call 407-894-9854 from Noon to 8pm EST and one of our incredible team members will gladly assist you!
When you shop at Spiral Circle, you are supporting a woman-owned indie bookstore that has been serving the Orlando community & beyond since 1975. We're real people who happen to have excellent skills to put together an awesome website for you. We're a small operation, so please reach out with any questions or concerns!
-
"All the Real Indians Died Off" | And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans$17.00$22.00Out of stock at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
-
"You're in the Wrong Bathroom!" | And 20 Other Myths and Misconceptions About Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming People$16.00$21.00Available for pickup at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
-
1-Minute Gratitude Journal | A Kid's Guide$9.99$14.99Out of stock at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
-
10 % Happier$17.99$22.99Available for pickup at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
-
100 Hispanic & Latino Americans$10.99$15.99Available for pickup at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
-
100 Things Every Homeowner Must Know | How to Save Money, Solve Problems and Improve Your Home$24.99$29.99Out of stock at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
-
101 Ways To A Fertile Mindset$20.00$25.00Available for pickup at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
-
107 Days$30.00$35.00Available for pickup at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
-
12,000 Dreams Interpreted by Linda Shields$16.99$21.99Out of stock at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
-
12-Step Buddhist | Enhance Recovery from Any Addiction$18.99$23.99Out of stock at Spiral CircleUnavailable atChoose a store to check local availability
