Title
Japanese Death Poems,Used
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A wonderful introduction the Japanese tradition of jisei, this volume is crammed with exquisite, spontaneous verse and pity, often hilarious, descriptions of the eccentric and committed monastics who wrote the poems.' Tricycle: The Buddhist ReviewAlthough 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 centuriesold tradition of writingjisei, 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 great majority of them for the first time. Yoel Hoffmann explores the attitudes and customs surrounding death in historical and presentday Japan, and gives examples of how these have been reflected in the nation's literature in general. The development of writingjisei is then examinedfrom the poems of longing 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 English translation and romanized in Japanese.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Japanese Death Poems'? A: 'Japanese Death Poems' explores the tradition of jisei, or death poems, in Japan, emphasizing how these poems reflect the poets' thoughts on death and dying.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Japanese Death Poems'? A: The author of 'Japanese Death Poems' is Yoel Hoffmann, who provides insights into the historical and cultural attitudes toward death in Japan.
- Q: What type of book is 'Japanese Death Poems'? A: 'Japanese Death Poems' is categorized as an anthology, featuring a collection of death poems along with commentaries on the poets' lives and circumstances.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: 'Japanese Death Poems' is listed as a used book in good condition, indicating that while it has been previously owned, it is still in a satisfactory state for reading.
- Q: How many pages does 'Japanese Death Poems' have? A: 'Japanese Death Poems' contains a total of 366 pages, providing a substantial exploration of the topic.
- Q: What edition of the book is available? A: The available edition of 'Japanese Death Poems' is the first edition, which was published on December 15, 1989.
- Q: What type of binding does 'Japanese Death Poems' have? A: 'Japanese Death Poems' is available in hardcover binding, which typically provides durability and a more premium feel.
- Q: Are there any haiku included in 'Japanese Death Poems'? A: Yes, 'Japanese Death Poems' includes a section with three hundred twenty haiku, some of which have been translated into English and romanized in Japanese.
- Q: What cultural aspects are explored in 'Japanese Death Poems'? A: 'Japanese Death Poems' examines the cultural attitudes and customs surrounding death in Japan, alongside Zen Buddhist ideas related to mortality.
- Q: Is 'Japanese Death Poems' suitable for readers unfamiliar with Japanese literature? A: Yes, 'Japanese Death Poems' serves as a wonderful introduction to the Japanese tradition of death poetry, making it accessible for readers new to the subject.