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Summary:
Sei Shonagon was a contemporary and erstwhile rival of Lady Murasaki, whose novel fictionalizes the court life Shonagon describes. is a collection of anecdotes, memories of court and religious ceremonies, character sketches, lists of things the author enjoyed or loathed, places that interested her, diary entries, descriptions of nature, pilgrimages, conversations, poetry exchanges--indeed, almost everything that made up daily life for the upper classes in japan during the Heian period. Her style is so eloquent, her observations so skillfully chosen, and her wit so sharp that even the smallest detail she records can attract and hold the attention of any modern reader.
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
A veiled priviledged view of Japan in 990's CE
Customer Rating:
The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon is interesting in many ways. It was written by a lady in waiting of Empress Sadako, a person whose life was veiled and screened to focus on court life, etiquette, and care and entertainment, often loose entertainment, of those in this social sphere. It is a collection of Sei Shonagon's musings and observations, along with what could be called the origoninal top-ten lists. Shonagon often writes lists of things like: "Things that can not be compared", "Things that are distant though Near", Elegant Things"... She is full of comments and observations about how lovers should conduct themselves. She was possibly best known in the palace area as someone who knew quotations of poetry even in Chinese (which was considered man's domain). It was common in Heian Japan to communicate in poetry and often lines from famous and not so famous Chinese or Japanese poetry would be included to expand a poem's meaning and Shonagon was admired for her knowledge of poetry and poetic writing.
There seems to be a distinct contrast as the book goes along. Shonagon's style is playful and observant of things: bird, plants, children, lovers; than as the book progresses she seems bitter and snobbish possibly because the position of the person she attends (Empress Sadoko) becomes tenuous. She also often relates observations in the form af a story of things she saw many of which are highly entertaining. It takes one to another time.
It is also interesting for what it shows in human nature. Some things never change and many of Shonagon's attitudes about people are interesting just for being normal despite the fact she was very secluded in a refined, privileged and litterally screened environment.
If you are really srious about the topic you might want to read "The World of The Shining Prince" which the Tranator often refers to and was writen by the translator before reading "The Pillow Book"
The World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Ancient Japan (Kodansha Globe)
Enter a vanished world
Customer Rating:
I have reread 'The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon' countless times. Her interesting and original literary style has heavily influenced my own writing. This book got me interested in Asian history and literature-previously an unknown to me. I heartily recommend this book to not only aspiring historians but aspiring writers also.
I know that girl
Customer Rating:
Most old books are about people and things that are alien to our modern lives.
When I read this book I felt like "I know that girl" It is one of those stories about life that Even though I am removed from Sei Shonagon by a thousand years, an ocean, a language and a culture I feel like she could be the girl next door.
The book is very relevant to the feelings and emotions that are universal throughout time.
Seeker-Finder
Absolutely unforgettable!
Customer Rating:
Even after 1000 years, Sei Shonagon lives & breathes & fascinates in the pages of her pillow book. And what a memorable woman! Witty, infuriating, a sensitive observer of life's little surprises & disappointments, an appalling snob -- but there's no ignoring her. Personally, I love the random nature of her entries, as the mood & occasion catch her, from her delightful lists to her often cutting comments about the other court ladies. Beneath all the precise & delicate form, there was obviously quite a hothouse of personal politics!
And she has a real eye for the telling detail, the revealing incident. Depending on the circumstances, she can evoke empathy, spit fire & venom, or make you want to shake her furiously. A perfect window into another time & way of life, and always a pleasure to dip into, this is an excellent edition. The translation is clear & lyrical without being artificially "poetic," and ample notes are provided for the Western reader.
Most highly recommended!
A regal Japan while Europe still had serfs and lice...
Customer Rating:
There are many translations of this and I didn't like this one the best. I felt that this edition had been "censored", and that is unfortunate. Also, the organization by subject was a bit heavy-handed and unnecessary. I think that anyone who has every kept a journal would appreciate The Pillow Book in a less "pre-digested" form. The first time I read this (in college), it was translated with as little messing with as possible, and for that it deserves five stars...
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