Traditional Japanese Poetry: An Anthology

This was exactly what I was looking for.

As someone who for more than 7 decades has had a passion for Japanese Martial Arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Kenjutsu, Hanbo Jutsu, and Tanto-Jutsu) and Poetry Forms (Tanka, Haiku, Senryu, and Sedoka) when I saw this amazing 514 page soft cover book (Traditional Japanese Poetry: An Anthology translated, with an introduction by Steven D. Carter) on Amazon for a bargain price I had to purchase it.From all the years I have been reading and writing Japanese and Chinese poetry I cannot believe to have missed this amazing volume along the way? This book was originally published in 1991 and covers Japanese poetry from a historical perspective.The introduction by Steven D. Carter provides an overview of how most classical Japanese poetry forms are usually created. This excellent large volume covers the following Japanese periods: The Ancient Age which includes poets of the early courts and related material. The Classical Age poems and poetry, the early Medieval Age, the late Medieval Age, the early Modern age, and the Modern age.This book is clearly written for a college Japanese Poetry level class because of the clearly academic approach to the subject. In this respect it is not intended for merely recreational and informative reading. This does not mean the book is only for college level study because anyone seriously interested Japanese poems and poets will also love and appreciate this wonderful book.If you are a collector of Japanese (and other Asian and American poems) poetry this is a must have book for your personal library. In fact, this is a book that should be part of any public or personal library.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art and Warrior Haiku and Senryu).

This is a compilation of Japanese poetry from earliest times to the present. The poems are grouped by writer, with information given on the writer (when possible) and the circumstances giving rise to the poem (or shedding light on the poem). IThis was published by the Stanford University Press. The poems are presented in their entirety, and any notes or information are beside them, saving the reader from the annoyance of having to look to the bottom of the page or flip to the back.Beautifully done, well worth owning.

I have been a fan of Japanese poetry for years, and have sought a collection of uta (song or lyrical poem) at an affordable price. The relatively extinct form, chooka, is in my opinion, well represented in this compilation. My favorate form of uta/waka, the tanka, is extreamly well represented.The hokku/haiku sections are not as definitive, but are also great. A chapter is included with senryu.The only items missing is originol Japanese orthography, however the roomaji that is included is (to a lesser extent) extreamly usefull.In my opinion this book is well worth considering.

I love Japanese poetry for its straightforward and transient yet powerful lines. If you're new to Japanese poetry this is the book for you. It describes all you need to know such as tanka and haiku. Look no further this book has it all including beautiful poems of course.This book of poemsI consume without a thought-like a juicy plum.

very well written, beautiful. Good explanations, extremely pleasant to read.

My son really loves learning Japanese and studying their cultire.

The perfect combination between poetry and historical facts.I am positively thrilled to the core with the art work in this spectacular volume.A pleasure to truly behold by all who read it.

Perfect for learning and experiencing a way of life long lost