Arthur Waley Bücher

This book ranges from the melancholy to the cheerful, and to poems full of nostalgia: they essentially deal with concrete, rather than abstract, conceptions. Poets included are Ch'u Yuan, writing in 300 BC, Mei Sheng and Fu I, and Po Chu-I who wrote in the ninth century.

Written in the middle of the 16th century, this Chinese classic tells the story of Tripitaka's journey to India and what happens on the way. Its true theme is man's pilgrimage through life, with Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy symbolizing diverse elements of human nature.

Noh plays live on as a magnificent artistic heritage handed down from the high culture of medieval Japan. This book contains translations of nineteen plays and summaries of sixteen more, together with a revealing introductory essay that furnishes the background for an understanding and appreciation of the No as a highly significant dramatic form.

This unique anthology of Buddhist scripture traces the development of Buddhism through the ages, with translations from the original Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, Tibetan and Japanese.

Written centuries before the time of Shakespeare and even Chaucer, The Tale of Genji marks the birth of the novel - and after more than a millenium, this seminal work continues to enchant readers throughout the world. Lady Murasaki Shikibu and her tale's hero, Prince Genji, have had an unmatched influence on Japanese culture. Prince Genji manifests what was to become an image of the ideal Heian-era courtier; gentle and passionate, Genji is also a master poet, dancer, musician and painter. The Tale of Genji follows Prince Genji through his many loves, and varied passions. This book has influenced not only generations of courtiers and samurai of the distant past, but artists and painters even in modern times - episodes in the tale have been incorporated into the design of kimonos and handicrafts, and the four-line poems called waka which dance throughout this work have earned it a place as a classic text in the study of poetry.Lady Murasaki Shikibu, born in the year 978, was a member of the famed Fujiwara clan - one of the most influential families of the Heian period. Her literary ability quickly won her place in the entourage of the Empress Akiko, whose court valued the rare woman who was a master of writing. After the death of her husband, Murasaki Shikibu immersed herself in Buddhism, and the religion's influences permeate her writing.

Take a first-hand journey into a time, society and world full of intrigue.

With stunning translations of Chinese and Japanese poetry, this collection offers a rich and diverse view of the beauty and power of Asian literature. Waley's mastery of language and poetry is evident on every page, making this book a must-have for anyone interested in the poetry and culture of Asia.