Product Description

In his perfectly crafted haiku poems, Basho described the natural world with great simplicity and delicacy of feeling. When he composed The Narrow Road to the Deep North he was a serious student of Zen Buddhism setting off on a series of travels designed to strip away the trappings of the material world and bring spiritual enlightenment. He wrote of the seasons changing, of the smell of the rain, the brightness of the moon and the beauty of the waterfall, through which he sensed the mysteries of the universe. These travel writings not only chronicle Basho’s perilous journeys through Japan, but they also capture his vision of eternity in the transient world around him

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #166802 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03-31
• Original language: Japanese
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

About the Author
Basho, the Japanese poet and diarist, was born in Iga-ueno near Kyoto in 1644. He began to write verse while studying as the companion of the son of the local lord, and continued write when he moved to Edo (now Tokyo) in 1667. He eventually became a recluse, and on his travels relied on the hospitality of temples and fellow poets. His work is much influenced by Zen Buddhism. Nobuyuki Uasa teaches English at the University of Hiroshima.

Customer Reviews

Briiliant insight into modern japan love of tradition
This book was written in the 17th century, and gives an account of the poet's travels in the North of Japan. What is so interesting is the correspondance with modern Japan - their feelings for the past, for their traditions are put into focus by the descriptions of what the poet sees. An essential accompaniment for your travels in Japan, if you really wish to understand the Japanese.

Beautiful!
This is one of my favourite books, a very lucid account of Basho's travels through Japan interspersed with Haiku. His descriptions of the various sites visited and encounters with other poets, monks etc are very enjoyable reading. Along with "Book of Tea" by Kakuzo Okakura this gives a really good insight into Japanese culture of the time.

poetry in motion
I bought this book after hearing it reviewed on BBC 4's programme "A Good Read".
It is beautifully written and was perfect reading for a quiet country holiday.
Each haiku portrays the landscapes Basho travels through so well that it is easy to close your eyes and 'be there'