A lavish collector's edition of the complete poems of eminent Japanese master of the haiku, Matsuo Bashō--​with a new index that contains the full Japanese text of the original poems.

Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694) is arguably the greatest figure in the history of Japanese literature and the master of the haiku. Bashō The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Bashō offers in English a full picture of the haiku of Bashō, 980 poems in all.

In Fitzsimons's beautiful rendering, Bashō is much more than a philosopher of the natural world and the leading exponent of a refined Japanese sensibility. He is also a poet of queer love and eroticism; of the city as well as the country, the indoors and the outdoors, travel and staying put; of lonesomeness as well as the desire to be alone. Bashō The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Bashō reveals how this work speaks to our concerns today as much as it captures a Japan emerging from the Middle Ages. For dedicated scholars and those coming upon Bashō for the first time, this beautiful collector's edition of Fitzsimons's elegant award-winning translation, with the original Japanese (including kanji, hiragana, and katakana), allows readers to enjoy these works in all their glory.

Discover the tranquil wisdom of Chomei's 13th-century masterpiece, Hojoki, as it unveils the beauty of imperfection and the serenity of a simple life amidst the chaos of existence.

Hojoki is an introspective poem written in the 13th century by the enigmatic Japanese hermit Kamo no Chomei, who as a young man served in the capital as official court poet but later in life withdrew from society.

Composed in a time of devastating fires, floods, earthquakes, droughts and famines, Chomei's masterpiece reflects on the impermanence of things, expressing life's mysterious beauty and the profound wisdom to be found in nature.

Chomei paints a vivid picture of the chaos and suffering of the human condition. Amidst this turmoil, he discovers an oasis of calm in a simple mountain hut, where he contemplates the virtues of nature and the wabi sabi beauty of imperfection in all things.

In their friends,
People like to find affluence and a ready smile.

Compassion and honesty,
Not so much.

So why not make friends with music and nature instead:
The moon; the flowers?

********

I know my needs,
And I know the world.

I want for nothing,
And do not labor to acquire things.

Quietude is all I desire:
To be free from worry is happiness enough.

This new translation by Matthew Stavros, presented alongside the original Classical Japanese, perfectly captures the profound serenity of Chomei's writings. His poignant verses serve as timely reminders that amidst the uncertainty of this world, true contentment can often be found in the simple life, in embracing fleeting moments, and in seeking solace in nature's beauty.

This is the essential English edition of the complete poems of the eminent Japanese master of the haiku, Matsuo Bashō.

Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694) is arguably the greatest figure in the history of Japanese literature and the master of the haiku. Bashō The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Bashō offers in English a full picture of the haiku of Bashō, 980 poems in all. Andrew Fitzsimons' translation is the first to adhere strictly to form: all of the poems are translated following the syllabic count of the originals. This book also translates a number of Bashō's headnotes to poems ignored by previous English-language translators.

In Fitzsimons' beautiful rendering, Bashō is much more than a philosopher of the natural world and the leading exponent of a refined Japanese sensibility. He is also a poet of queer love and eroticism; of the city as well as the country, the indoors and the outdoors, travel and staying put; of lonesomeness as well as the desire to be alone.

His poetry explores the full range of social experience in Edo Japan as he moved among friends and followers high and low, the elite and the demi-monde, the less fortunate: poor farmers, abandoned children, disregarded elders. Bashō The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Bashō reveals how this work speaks to our concerns today as much as it captures a Japan emerging from the Middle Ages. For dedicated scholars and those coming upon Bashō for the first time, Fitzsimons' elegant translation--with an insightful introduction and helpful notes--allows readers to enjoy these works in all their glory.

Soul Sessions: Haikus on Love, Heritage, Liberation, and Seasons takes readers on a journey through love, identity, and resilience, all captured within the timeless art of haiku. In this collection, Breuna Walker reflects on her African-American heritage and the beauty of the changing seasons, celebrating the warmth of summer, the introspection of winter, and everything in between.

Each haiku invites readers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the simple yet profound moments that shape our lives. Soul Sessions is a celebration of culture, personal history, and embracing each season of the year.

A beautifully illustrated volume of haiku poetry from the 100 most famous Japanese poets.

Ongoing spring;
a nameless mountain
under a light mist
-- Basho

This beautifully illustrated collection of seasonal haiku poems by Japan's best-known poets is the perfect book for poetry lovers or anyone who wants to learn more about Japanese haiku. Selected and exquisitely translated by William Scott Wilson, the book features more than 385 haiku by over 100 famous poets with commentary by the translator.

Seasonal poems by the Great Four haiku poets (Basho, Shiki, Buson and Issa) are featured alongside the works of other well-known poets like Ryokan, Kikaku and Santoka. Wilson provides fresh new translations of the classic works and includes many other delightful work of poets who are rarely found in English anthologies, including the female poets Kaga no Chojo and Hisajo, as well as haiku written by the famous Japanese novelist Soseki Natsume.

The book is illustrated with 30 lovely haiga illustrations by award-winning French artist Manda, who has received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese government for her work, the highest civilian honor given. All of the poems are presented in Japanese script with Romanized text and English translation. Audio recordings of the Japanese and English versions of the haiku are available online.

Perhaps no poetic form evokes nature so effectively as the haiku. Made up of just seventeen syllables, it conveys an impression with almost the same immediacy as our own senses--it can be as ephemeral as a breath and as powerful as lightning.

This delightful volume presents some 140 haiku by masters of every period--including Basho, Buson, Issa, and Shiki--arranged according to the kigo (or word linked to a particular season) that each haiku traditionally contains. Each poem is presented three ways, for the fullest possible enjoyment: in its original Japanese characters, in Japanese transliterated to Latin characters, and in an English translation. Original artwork by the contemporary Japanese illustrator Kaori Yamaguchi adorns this contemplative journey from the first buds of spring to the falling snow of winter.

Bound in the traditional Japanese style and housed in a handsome slipcase, Haiku: Japanese Poems for the Four Seasons will be the perfect gift for anyone who loves poetry, Japanese culture, or the natural world.

An old pond;
a frog jumps in:
the sound of water
-- Basho

This comprehensive introduction to Japan's best-loved haiku poets is the perfect book for anyone wanting to learn about haiku. Compiled and with commentary by renowned author and translator William Scott Wilson, the book features 26 poets and 550 haiku, exquisitely translated. Wilson takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the works of the major Japanese poets from the fifteenth century up to the present.

The poets include Basho, Shiki, Buson and Issa (the Great Four) along with other well-known practitioners of the genre such as Ryokan, Kikaku and Chora. Wilson gives his own brand-new renditions of poems that are already known as classics, and also shares with us the delightful work of a number of poets who are rarely found in English translation, such as six female poets including Chiyojo and Hisajo, as well as novelist Natsume Soseki, who, unbeknown to many, also wrote haiku.

The book is divided into sections, each starting with a 2-4 page introduction to each poet, followed by a selection of that poet's haiku, in Japanese script and English translation. Online audio files are available with recordings of the poems in both English and Japanese.

Vital Signs is a collection of haiku and scifaiku by Deborah P Kolodji. Centered on biographical images chronicling her fight against cancer, Vital Signs is a collection that is both gut-wrenchingly poignant and heartwarmingly inspirational.

This book of poetry by Mario E. Lombardo includes assorted verses (Haiku, Odes, Homages) in this beautifully minimalist pocketbook of poetry. The verses are easily interpreted theme-driven gems. Ex: Homage to Browning: Love should exceed its passion Or else what's our brain for.

Mario E. Lombardo, is also the author of YA books: Orphan Ollie Opts Out, Orphan Ollie Opts In, Christy Park and a Children's Book, Ralph the Star Elf, (Santa's Little Secret),

A world of dew
And within every dewdrop
A world of struggle

The iconic three-line haiku form is increasingly popular today as people embrace its simplicity and grace--and its connections to the Japanese ethos of mindfulness and minimalism. Say more with fewer words.

This practical guide by poet and teacher Bruce Ross shows you how to capture a fleeting moment, like painting a picture with words, and how to give voice to your innermost thoughts, feelings, and observations. You don't have to be a practiced poet or writer to write your own haiku, and this book shows you how.

In this book, aspiring poets will find:

• Accessible, easy-to-replicate examples and writing prompts
• A foreword that looks at the state of haiku today as the form continues to expand worldwide
• An introduction to related Japanese haiku forms such as tanka, haiga, renga, haibun, and senryu
• A listing of international journals and online resources

Do you want to tell a story? Give haibun a try. Maybe you want to express a fleeting feeling? A tanka is the perfect vehicle. Are you more visual than verbal? Then a haiga, or illustrated haiku, is the ideal match. Finally, a renga is perfect as a group project or to create with friends, passing a poem around, adding line after line, and seeing what your group effort amounts to.

Ross walks readers through the history and form of haiku, before laying out what sets each Japanese poetic form apart. Then it's time to turn to your notebook and start drafting some verse of your own!

Haikus For WASPs is a collection of poems and illustrations meant to be shared convivially. It pokes fun at a peculiar fragment of society - once a powerful and ruling stratum of America - which now exists on the fringe, mostly as relic or as parody. It is an assemblage of the oddities prevalent in all human beings, families, and cultures, told through the prism of self-deprecating comedy.

As a feline-only veterinarian for 35 years and a cat lover for over 60 years, I highly recommend this book. It's funny and endearing, and it nails the feline psyche! The illustrations add to the enjoyment. All my friends and family are getting this book. It's a winner!

- Katherine A. Reiner, DVM

Ken has been one of my favorite volunteers in cat rescue adoption. His insights into cat-human interactions have been integral in matching the right cats with the right people. In Paws for a Moment: Cat Haiku from a Cat's Point of View, Ken blends his knowledge of cats with humor and charm. The illustrations enhance the clever haikus. This unique and captivating book will be cherished by cat lovers everywhere!

- Karen Evans, Vice-President, Board of Directors, The Cat Connection of Greater Boston

I love this collection of cat haikus! When Ken, my longtime friend and fellow meteorologist invited me to give the book a read, I immediately said yes, and I'm glad I did! I was instantly captivated by the humorous haikus and accompanying illustrations. This book is more than a series of clever vignettes-it captures the essence of feline philosophy in simple terms that even human beings can understand!

- William H. Hooke, Senior Policy Fellow Emeritus, American Meteorological Society

We've always liked Ken. Every time he visits our humans we curl up on his lap while he reads us cat haiku. Our best naps begin by listening to these purrls of wisdom. As cats, we get what we want, and we both want a signed copy of his book!

- Loki & Prada, br other & sister, Feline owners of Louann Virgil and Dr. David Blumenkrantz, Ken's for mer summer camp counselor What Readers Are Saying... www.cathaiku.com

The poet lives inside and outside of life.

In the little book of e poet E. Ethelbert Miller embraces the Japanese poetic form of haiku to comment on our contemporary world. Written during the pandemic Miller's poems follow in the tradition of Basho and Richard Wright. the little book of e is a collaboration with translator Rafi Ellenson. Haiku presented in English and Hebrew is symbolic of how language can bring people together. Miller and Ellenson have given us a book that shows how Black and Jewish relations can continue to be a beacon of hope. This book is filled with words that blossom like flowers.

Reginald Horace Blyth (1898-1964) was a prime mover in the popularization of haiku and Zen philosophy in western culture. Born in England, Blyth spent most of his working life in Japan, where he acted as a professor of English and foreign liaison, and became a great admirer of Japanese poetry. Long considered by haiku enthusiasts an essential resource for English-speaking readers, Blyth's four-volume haiku anthology is a testament to his love and deep understanding of this singular art form. Presenting the best work of Japan's haiku masters alongside his own lucid commentary, Blyth's volumes communicate the true meaning and spirit of haiku in a way rarely accessible to western readers.

The concluding volume of Blyth's anthology, Haiku Vol. IV (Autumn and Winter) contains a wide sampling of haiku particularly attuned to these two seasons. With subjects ranging from winter animals and landscape to the looming presence of sickness and death, this volume contains some of the most touching and profound examples of Zen and haiku.

The fascinating and quirky biography of a disheveled poet, skillfully interwoven with his original works.

Zen monk Santoka Taneda (1882-1940) is one of Japan's most beloved modern poets, famous for his free-verse haiku, the dominant style today. This book tells the fascinating story of his life, liberally sprinkled with more than 300 of his poems and extracts from his essays and journals--compiled by his best friend and biographer Sumita Oyama and elegantly translated by William Scott Wilson.

Santoka was a literary prodigy, but a notoriously disorganized human being. By his own admission, he was incapable of doing anything other than wandering the countryside and writing verses. Although Santoka married and had a son, he devoted his life to poetry, studying Zen, drinking sake and wandering the length and breadth of the Japanese islands on foot, as a mendicant monk.

The poet's life alternated between long periods of solitary retreat and restless travel, influenced by his tragic childhood. When not on the road, he lived in simple grass huts supported by friends and family. Santoka was a lively conversationalist who was often found so drunk he could only make it home with the help of a friendly neighbor or passerby. But above all, throughout his life, he wrote constantly; poetry and essays flowed from him effortlessly.

Santoka's eccentric style of haiku is highly regarded in Japan today for being truly modern and free from formal constraints. His journals and essays are equally thought-provoking--the musings of an unkempt but supremely self-conscious mind on everything from writing to cooking rice and his failure to live a more orderly life.

This translation and its introduction are by best-selling author William Scott Wilson, whose other works include The Book of Five Rings and The Lone Samurai. Wilson provides sensitive renditions of the haiku illustrating Santoka's life as well as an extensive introduction to the influences on Santoka's work, from contemporary haiku poets and his Buddhist teachers.

Alongside the book, readers have access to a two-hour online audio recording of 331 of Santoka Taneda's haiku, read in Japanese by a native speaker, and in English.

How to Write a Haiku provides a concise introduction to the art of the haiku and takes the beginner through the process of capturing the fleeting moment or a high point of experience. This practical guide gives examples of haiku newly translated from the Japanese, as well as original haiku in English, and illustrates how the raw material of experience and recollection can be shaped into both formal and informal versions of the traditional haiku.

An autobiographical blend of prose and haiku from one of Japan's greatest poets.

Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827), along with Bashō and Buson, is considered one of the three greatest haiku poets of Japan, known for his attention to poignant detail and playful sense of humor. Issa's most beloved work, The Spring of My Life, is an autobiographical sketch of linked prose and haiku in the tradition of Bashō's celebrated Narrow Road to the Interior. This edition also includes more than 160 of Issa's most revered haiku and an introduction that provides essential background on Issa's life as well as valuable information on translating (and reading) haiku.

This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series.

The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.

A brilliant and engaging book on haiku, and on the state of the body and mind required in the million to one shot against producing a good one -Jim Harrison

First published in 1997, Seeds From a Birch Tree introduced readers to the only form of poetry in all of world literature that makes nature into a spiritual path. Its message was simple: Haiku teaches us to return to nature by following the seasons--seventeen syllables at a time.

With its mix of poetry and memoir, fallen leaves and birdsong, Seeds From a Birch Tree awakens us to what Bashō called the life of each thing. Simple instructions guide us to the possibilities for creativity and joy hidden in plain sight in the natural world around us, giving us hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

This Revised & Expanded 25^th Anniversary Edition includes the complete text of the original classic, plus dozens of new haiku and an Afterword by the author discussing haiku for the 21^st century.

2024 Silver Winner, Poetry, IBPA Benjamin Franklin Book Award

Indigo Hours is a lyrical, profound, and playful book of haiku poems with original scratchboard drawings from an artist thrust into the role of care partner after her husband's diagnosis of likely Alzheimer's.

Artist and author Nancy Stone took life for granted-until she was thrust into the unchosen role of caregiver for her spouse of fifty years. Her husband's decline has changed every aspect of their relationship-except their love. In poems that show the change of emotions along with insights for coping with loss and grief and the metaphor found in nature-water, light and shadow-Stone breaks down the silence and stigma associated with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease, and offers a calming guide for others dealing with the devastation and exhaustion of caregiving. Her poems and art offer glimmers of gratitude, courage, and resilience for moving forward with love in your heart during challenging times.

For the nature lover, climate activist, and poetry enthusiast, Haiku and Hope: 50 States of Climate Change offers a unique exploration of the United States through the evocative lens of haiku. Author, activist, and explorer Maggie Dewane takes readers along on her journey through all 50 states as she both experiences the landscape as it is currently, as well as imagines its future. Haiku and Hope doesn't shy away from contemporary challenges. Accompanying each state's haiku, a second haiku confronts the environmental threats it faces, prompting reflection and dialogue. The juxtaposition between the geography we know and admire about certain places with the vulnerability and threat of those places changing or disappearing sheds light on all the reasons we must confront the realities of climate change. Following the collection of poetry, a narrative section delves into climate context, complemented by Dewane's personal journey and the moments of inspiration that led her to write each poem. Here, readers gain deeper insight into her travels and the emotional impact of witnessing the changing environment firsthand. This collection is a celebration of America's natural wonders, a call to action in the face of climate change, and a testament to the power of poetry to move us.