River of Stars : Selected Poems of Yosano Akiko

Yosano Akiko (1878-1942) is one of the most famous Japanese writers of the twentieth century. She is the author of more than seventy-five books, including twenty volumes of original poetry and the definitive translation into modern Japanese of the Tale of the Genji. Although probably best known for her exquisite erotic poetry, Akiko's work also championed the causes of feminism, pacifism, and social reform. Akiko's poetry is profoundly direct, often passionate, exposing the complexity of everyday emotions in poetic language stripped of artifice and presenting the full breadth of her poetic vision. Included in this volume are ninety-one of Akiko's tanka (a traditional five-line form of verse) and a dozen of her longer poems written in the modern style.

Yosano Akiko (1878-942) is one of the most famous Japanese writers of the twentieth century. She is the author of more than seventy-five books, including twenty volumes of original poetry and the definitive translation into modern Japanese of the Tale of the Genji. Although probably best known for her exquisite erotic poetry, Akiko's work also championed the causes of feminism, pacifism, and social reform. Akiko's poetry is profoundly direct, often passionate, exposing the complexity of everyday emotions in poetic language stripped of artifice and presenting the full breadth of her poetic vision. Included are ninety-one of Akiko's tanka (a traditional five-line form of verse) and a dozen of her longer poems written in the modern style.

One of the most famous Japanese writers of the 20th century, Yosano Akiko is the author of more than 75 books. Although probably best known for her exquisite erotic poetry, Akiko's work also championed the causes of feminism, pacifism, and social reform. River of Stars is her first book presenting the full breadth of her poetic vision. Illustrations. 160 pp. 15,000 print.

Tanka -- Mountain Moving Day -- The Only Question -- A Wish about Poetry -- The Universe and Myself -- Self-Awareness -- Women Are Plunder -- The Town of Amazement -- Cold Supper -- You Shall Not Be Killed, Brother! -- Love -- First Labor Pains -- A Blow from My Son August. Immersed in my hot bath like a lovely lily growing in a spring, my twenty-year-old body-so beautiful, so sublime.