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The Tales of the Heike (Translations from the Asian Classics),Used
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The Tales of the Heike is one of the most influential works in Japanese literature and culture, remaining even today a crucial source for fiction, drama, and popular media. Originally written in the midthirteenth century, it features a cast of vivid characters and chronicles the epic Genpei war, a civil conflict that marked the end of the power of the Heike and changed the course of Japanese history. The Tales of the Heike focuses on the lives of both the samurai warriors who fought for two powerful twelfthcentury Japanese clansthe Heike (Taira) and the Genji (Minamoto)and the women with whom they were intimately connected.The Tales of the Heike provides a dramatic window onto the emerging world of the medieval samurai and recounts in absorbing detail the chaos of the battlefield, the intrigue of the imperial court, and the gradual loss of a courtly tradition. The book is also highly religious and Buddhist in its orientation, taking up such issues as impermanence, karmic retribution, attachment, and renunciation, which dominated the Japanese imagination in the medieval period.In this new, abridged translation, Burton Watson offers a gripping rendering of the work's most memorable episodes. Particular to this translation are the introduction by Haruo Shirane, the woodblock illustrations, a glossary of characters, and an extended bibliography.
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- Q: What is 'The Tales of the Heike' about? A: 'The Tales of the Heike' is a pivotal work in Japanese literature that chronicles the Genpei War, highlighting the lives of samurai warriors from the Heike and Genji clans, along with the women connected to them.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is translated by Burton Watson, a renowned scholar known for his translations of classical Asian literature.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: 'The Tales of the Heike' contains 232 pages in its paperback edition.
- Q: Is this edition abridged? A: Yes, this edition is an abridged translation, focusing on the most memorable episodes of the original work.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes such as impermanence, karmic retribution, and the loss of tradition, reflecting the Buddhist influences in medieval Japan.
- Q: What type of illustrations are included? A: This edition features woodblock illustrations that complement the text and enhance the reading experience.
- Q: When was this edition published? A: This edition of 'The Tales of the Heike' was published on March 19, 2008.
- Q: Is there a glossary included in the book? A: Yes, the book includes a glossary of characters to help readers understand the various figures mentioned in the text.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is listed as 'New', ensuring that it is in pristine condition for readers.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: 'The Tales of the Heike' is categorized as a 'Classics' book, appealing to those interested in historical literature.