Murasaki Shikibu

Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan

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Because women in ancient Japan enjoyed high status, they were well-educated and reasonably independent. They also produced much of the country's best literature. Three of these amazing ladies wrote these diaries, among them the highly skilled writer Murasaki Shikibu (ca. 973–1025 a.d.). A lady-in-waiting to the Japanese Empress, she became very adept at observing the daily activities and attitudes of the upper classes. Her diary is a remarkable record of events staged with rare and exquisite taste. The Sarashina Diary, filled with an appreciation of nature, begins with a nine-year-old girl's dreams and ends with the grown woman's account of her husband's funeral (1009–1059 a.d.). Izumi Shikibu's diary is a delicately written work, with poetic thoughts characteristic of the lady's shy reserve. Brimming with poetry and understated social observations, all three provide an extraordinary glimpse of court life in old Japan. Unabridged republication of the edition originally published by Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston and New York, 1920. 2 color illustrations. 12 black-and-white illustrations. Appendix.
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226 printed pages
Publication year
2012
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Quotes

  • mariazentsovahas quoted6 years ago
    Even in the highest society there are grades of courtesy, but these men were too humble
  • mariazentsovahas quoted6 years ago
    O worthless heart, that feels love only for those with whom it daily associates!
  • mariazentsovahas quoted6 years ago
    her figure and movement, when we caught a glimpse of it, was flower-like and dignified.

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