{"product_id":"the-pillow-book-of-sei-shnagon-9780231073370","title":"The Pillow Book of SEI Sh\u0026#333;nagon","description":"\u003ci\u003eThe Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon\u003c\/i\u003e is a fascinating, detailed account of Japanese court life in the eleventh century. Written by a lady of the court at the height of Heian culture, this book enthralls with its lively gossip, witty observations, and subtle impressions. Lady Shonagon was an erstwhile rival of Lady Murasaki, whose novel, \u003ci\u003eThe Tale of Genji\u003c\/i\u003e, fictionalized the elite world Lady Shonagon so eloquently relates. Featuring reflections on royal and religious ceremonies, nature, conversation, poetry, and many other subjects, \u003ci\u003eThe Pillow Book\u003c\/i\u003e is an intimate look at the experiences and outlook of the Heian upper class, further enriched by Ivan Morris's extensive notes and critical contextualization.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIvan Morris (1925-1976) was considered the most versatile Japanese translator of his generation and wrote widely on modern and ancient Japan. He taught at Columbia University and was chair of its Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. His books include translations of Lady Sarashina's\u003ci\u003e As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams\u003c\/i\u003e, Jiro Osaragi's \u003ci\u003eThe Journey\u003c\/i\u003e, Ihara Saikaku's \u003ci\u003eThe Life of an Amorous Woman\u003c\/i\u003e, and Yukio Mishima's \u003ci\u003eThe Temple of the Golden Pavilion\u003c\/i\u003e, as well as several historical studies, including \u003ci\u003eThe Nobility of Failure: Tragic Heroes in the History of Japan\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Ancient Japan\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eNationalism and the Right Wing in Japan: A Study of Postwar Trends\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Columbia University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50917517590802,"sku":"9780231073370","price":37.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_add3c0f0-ed05-4111-98e7-8b50b26a9949.jpg?v=1738867669","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-pillow-book-of-sei-shnagon-9780231073370","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}