Anthology of Japanese Literature from the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century

 

Anthology of Japanese Literature from the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century
Anthology of Japanese Literature from the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century
by Authors: Donald Keene
Released: December, 1988
ISBN: 0802150586
Paperback

Sales Rank: 76,729
List price: $14.50
Our price: $11.60 (You save: $2.9)
Book > Anthology of Japanese Literature from the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century > Customer Reviews:
  Average Customer Rating:

Anthology of Japanese Literature from the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century > Customer Review #1:
This is brilliant!

What a wonderful survey of Japanese literature from the very beginning! Ending around 1870 actually makes sense. In fact, even doing that, a lot is still left out, Im sure, but thats what the various modern readers are for.

I had no idea this was originally published in 1955. It fooled me. I didnt know about its history or the history of its editor. I just picked it up, opened it, and began reading.

I have a pretty decent background in Japanese history and humanities, so I started skimming for favorites that Id read ABOUT but never actually READ. Lots are in there. Even better, theres a bunch Id never heard of, and I suppose that was the original idea.

I agree that this could be a little deeper, but cripes, its from 1955. Im sure its time for a new anthology, yes, but lets not ignore this one.

The Heian era in particular provided the backdrop to the creation of some of the worlds most amazing literature. Murasaki Shikibu is represented here. It would be a travesty if she were not. Shes quite the interesting character, as is her rival, whose name I cannot spell off-hand and do not want to embarrass myself with. :)

There are lots of readers on the market. Ive acquired most of them. As much as I enjoy the modern readers with their bite, edge and esoteric qualities (there is just something indescribable about modern Japanese culture, whether it be literature, manga, anime or video games), there will always be such a spot in my heart for this stuff, particularly that of the Heian era.

For anyone whos a fan of Japan, this isnt to be missed.

Thank you for allowing me to gush. :)



Anthology of Japanese Literature from the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century > Customer Review #2:
Provides a fair cross section, but needs more volume

Although this collection has become the standard in terms of introducing the history of Japanese literature, it has one fatal flaw: it is only one volume. Admittedly it includes a large number of the more famous scenes from many famous works... the problem may be that that is all. What is a great scene or passage is up to the editor, and Dr. Keene knows better than anyone what his audience wants and needs to get a good glance at Japanese literature. However, there are many more scenes important to the overall picture of Japanese literature (such as Michiyuki-bun, aka travel stanzas) which do not exactly translate the best. The missing two stars are meant to serve as hope that the publisher will try for something with a little more meat on it next time, even at the risk of a few more pages.

 
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