Written on the Sky: Poems from the Japanese (New Directions Paperbook)

Product Description

“Rexroth’s readings from the Japanese master poets are breathtaking in their simplicity and clarity.”―The New York Times
I go out of the darkness Onto a road of darkness Lit only by the far off Moon on the edge of the mountains.
―Izumi Shikobu

Over the years, thousands of readers have discovered the beauty of classic Japanese poetry through the superb English versions by the great American poet Kenneth Rexroth. Mostly haiku, these poems range from the classical and medieval to modern poetry, with an emphasis on folk songs and love lyrics. Because women played such an outstanding role in Japanese literature, included here are selections from their work, including the contemporary, deeply sensuous Marichiko. This elegant, beautifully designed gift book of poems spanning many centuries presents the original texts in romanji, the transliteration into the Western alphabet.

Review

A tiny perfect little book. It made us forget totally we were on a subway. –Fukuda Chiyo-Ni,”

I must have Kenneth Rexroth s translations from the Japanese at once! –William Carlos Williams”

Rexroth was steeped in the world s spiritual and literary traditions, absorbing ideas and philosophy into his poetry all his life. ”

The best Japanese poetry gathered and translated by Rexroth, including poems by Haito Joso, Prime Minister Kintsune, and Matsuo Basho. –Ray Gonzalez”

I must have Kenneth Rexroth’s translations from the Japanese at once! — William Carlos Williams

About the Author

Eliot Weinberger is an essayist, editor, and translator. He lives in New York City.

Poet-essayist 
Kenneth Rexroth (1905-1982) was a high-school dropout, disillusioned ex-Communist, pacifist, anarchist, rock-climber, critic and translator, mentor, Catholic-Buddhist spiritualist and a prominent figure of San Francisco’s Beat scene. He is regarded as a central figure of the San Francisco Renaissance and is among the first American poets to explore traditional Japanese forms such as the haiku.