The Tales of Ise

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Tales of Ise
Authors and Contributors      Translated by Peter MacMillan
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:416
Dimensions(mm): Height 198,Width 129
Category/GenrePoetry anthologies
Literary studies - classical, early and medieval
Literary studies - poetry and poets
ISBN/Barcode 9780141392578
ClassificationsDewey:895.611408
Audience
General

Publishing Details

Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint Penguin Classics
Publication Date 1 September 2016
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The Tales of Ise is one of the most famous and important works of Japanese literature. Consisting of 125 poem tales loosely based on the life of the hero, Narihira, a model lover of the Heian period, they evoke a world in which beauty and refinement were a way of life. One of the three seminal works of Japanese literature, this beautiful collection of poems and tales offers an unparalleled insight into ancient Japan. Along with the Tale of Genji and One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each, The Tales of Ise is considered one of the three most important works of Japanese literature. A poem-tale collection from the early Heian period, it contains many stories of amorous adventures, faithful friendship and travels in exile, framing the exquisite poems at the work's heart. The Tales of Ise has influenced waka, Noh, tales and diaries since the time it was written, and is still the source of endless inspiration in novels, poetry, manga and cartoons. This volume has been translated by Peter MacMillan and includes a preface by the renowned Japanologist Donald Keene. 'MacMillan's Tales of Ise adds to the treasures of Japanese literature that can now be enjoyed in English translation. It is the most poetic translation of this work to date and establishes MacMillan as an outstanding translator of Japanese poetry' - Donald Keene

Author Biography

Peter MacMillan was born in Ireland and has lived in Japan for more than twenty years. He has been a visiting researcher at the universities of Princeton, Columbia and Oxford, and is currently a translator, poet and print-maker. He has translated Tales of Ise and One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each for Penguin Classics.

Reviews

MacMillan's Tales of Ise adds to the treasures of Japanese literature that can now be enjoyed in English translation. It is the most poetic translation of this work to date and establishes MacMillan as an outstanding translator of Japanese poetry -- Donald Keene