© Columbia University Press
Early Modern Japanese Literature: An Anthology, 1600-1900
Paper, 1392 pages, 203 woodblocks and paintings
ISBN: 978-0-231-10991-8
$33.00
/ £23.00
July, 2002
Cloth, 1392 pages, 203 woodblocks and paintings
ISBN: 978-0-231-10990-1
$92.00
/ £63.50
"Shirane has given us so many angles from which to view this unique society that before long we almost feel we have joined it." — Asahi.com
"This anthology stands alone. It is the first comprehensive anthology of early modern literature. The richness of content allows it to fulfill many different purposes. . .This volume provides a wealth of material." — Robert N. Huey, Monumenta Nipponica
"This book will become an indispensable reference, not only for students of Edo literature but also for those who have an interest in Japanese culture in general." — Hiroko Kobayashi, Asian Studies Review
"This single volume from Columbia University Press has the bulk and the breadth to introduce to the full scope of Edo literature to the English-speaking world." — Haruko G. Iwasaki, The Journal of Asian Studies
"Haruo Shirane's Early Modern Japanese Literature will serve as the standard anthology for some time to come." — Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies
"This volume has much to offer both students and scholars of Japanese theatre." — Julie Iezzi, Asian Theatre Journal
"This volume provides a cornucopia of early modern Japanese texts, from high to low, the cool reason of philosophy and literary criticism to 'hot' fiction for popular consumption, Rai Sanyô’s history to Chikamatsu’s historical drama, kanshi to haiku, autobiography to ghost stories. The full range of Edo life and thought may be found within its covers. The anthology will do well as required or supplementary reading for courses in literature, history or cultural studies. On the basis of this volume alone, one can mount a comprehensive course in Edo literature." — Sonja Arntzen, University of Toronto
"There is no more rich or diverse period of Japanese literature than that of the Tokugawa period. The present anthology, which spans three centuries of creative writing in all forms, ranging from philosophical tracts and poetry to proto-comic books and playtexts, is the first single volume I know of in any language to encompass with such gusto the best and most representative writing accomplished during these many decades. Much of the material is newly rendered into English, and the work of some of the finest translators at work today is included. There has quite simply never been a collection like this one. It's an experience not to be missed, and it will give pleasure to many." — Thomas Rimer, University of Pittsburgh