Trending Bestseller

The Tosa Diary

No reviews yet Write a Review
The Tosa Diary represents the oldest extantJapanese prose fiction and the beginnings of the great traditionof diary literature. Written in 935, the book is the record of anarduous 55-day 200-mile journey by sea from Tosa, where theauthor had served as a governor, to Kyoto, the capital.
Paperback / softback
25-October-2005
128 Pages
$17.00
In Stock: Ships in 4-6 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:

The Tosa Diary represents the oldest extant Japanese prose fiction and the beginnings of the great tradition of diary literature. Written in 935, the book is the record of an arduous 55-day 200-mile journey by sea from Tosa, where the author had served as a governor, to Kyoto, the capital.

 Narrated in the first person by a female persona, it provides modern readers not only with a fascinating look at Japanese life and travel in the tenth century but also an insight into the author's humanity and stylistic excellence. Though the author's other writings were known for their ornateness, this diary is written with an artless simplicity and quiet humor which is as welcome as it is unexpected from a nobleman of the period. His sufferings from seasickness, his grief for the loss of a minor, his pride when his little daughter composes a verse in reply to that of a visitor whom he evidently dislike, his  own verses that he cannot resist quoting, and his way of deprecating the verses of others, as well as many other details, supply a very human touch.

 This engaging translation includes an introduction and notes by the translator as well as the original Japanese in Romanisation. 

This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!

$17.00
In Stock: Ships in 4-6 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:

The Tosa Diary

$17.00

Description

The Tosa Diary represents the oldest extant Japanese prose fiction and the beginnings of the great tradition of diary literature. Written in 935, the book is the record of an arduous 55-day 200-mile journey by sea from Tosa, where the author had served as a governor, to Kyoto, the capital.

 Narrated in the first person by a female persona, it provides modern readers not only with a fascinating look at Japanese life and travel in the tenth century but also an insight into the author's humanity and stylistic excellence. Though the author's other writings were known for their ornateness, this diary is written with an artless simplicity and quiet humor which is as welcome as it is unexpected from a nobleman of the period. His sufferings from seasickness, his grief for the loss of a minor, his pride when his little daughter composes a verse in reply to that of a visitor whom he evidently dislike, his  own verses that he cannot resist quoting, and his way of deprecating the verses of others, as well as many other details, supply a very human touch.

 This engaging translation includes an introduction and notes by the translator as well as the original Japanese in Romanisation. 

Customers Also Viewed

Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australia's trusted online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality.

For those with a green thumb, our comprehensive range of gardening books provides insights and tips for all levels of enthusiasts. If you're aiming to enhance your financial acumen, our selection of finance, business, and management books offers valuable knowledge from industry experts. Craft lovers will appreciate our assortment of handicrafts, decorative arts, and crafts books, perfect for inspiring your next project. Engage your mind with our collection of hobbies, quizzes, and games books, or explore the mystical with our fortune-telling and divination guides.

Transportation aficionados can immerse themselves in our extensive transportation books, including detailed works on road and motor vehicles. Young readers are not left out, with a delightful array of picture books and early learning concepts designed to educate and entertain. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles, or gain inspiration from real-life tales in our biographies and true stories collection. Health-conscious readers can explore our health and wholefood cooking books, focusing on specific diets and conditions.

Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialized collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.