The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon

There are many translations of this and I didn't like this one the best. I felt that this edition had been "censored", and that is unfortunate. Also, the organization by subject was a bit heavy-handed and unnecessary. I think that anyone who has every kept a journal would appreciate The Pillow Book in a less "pre-digested" form. The first time I read this (in college), it was translated with as little messing with as possible, and for that it deserves five stars...

I found the book enjoyable, although I was incapable of reading it straight through. I realize that I'm writing anachronistically, but Shonagon's sense of entitlement makes her generally insufferable. I kept thinking, the child could've used a good spanking. A lesson in deprivation might have served her well.

My review here is not of the book itself, but rather to alert readers that this is an ABRIDGED VERSION. It is not the complete Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon, but rather contains only a portion of the whole work. I wish this had been more clearly indicated in the product description. In any case, you should be aware that if you order this version you are not getting the whole thing.

I read this book 30 years ago in Russian translation. Remembered it forever and now bought it in English for my daughter to enjoy wonderful writing by Sei Shonagon, a woman lived more than a thousand years ago. Her feelings, description, impressions of her life touches you, amaze you. Besides learning about life in Japanese court from ancient times you will realize that life is the same for people from thousand years ago and us. I will recommend this book for any age, you will find there what you are capable to see.

If you are interested in books that shed light on life in the old world, this book is for you! The striking thing about this book is that it really seems like Sei Shonagon (the author) wanted her work to be read by people of the future. It is almost like reading a blog from ancient Japan! She is very funny, and her cutting wit is relentless. This book is an absolute treasure, and this paperback publication is nicely presented.

The stories told are an amazing account of ancient Yamato. Shonagon was the first feminist. Her comfort with the court denizens she writes of and her astounding use of language mark this piece as a genuine classic, by a master.

I had heard about this book and this particular translation. I read a little bit at a time. Besides being a wonderful writer, this is a terrific Japanese history lesson. I absolutely love this book. the voice of the writer is unique, intelligent, whimsical, wise, and much more. You will want to start writing about the everyday scenes in your life as beautifully as she did.

Easy read, entertaining. Bought it after hearing the podcast on Sei Shonagon on Stuff You Missed in History!

It was an absolutely fascinating look into the Japan's Heian court life thousand years ago. It is quite alien to a modern person, but I couldn't help but find some similarities with today's society. My most rudimentary knowledge of Japanese makes me believe this is one of the astonishing works of translation too.The book is very unlike anything I have read before in its random chapter arrangement. This is essentially a diary of sorts. It is very poetic and at times funny. Sometimes I had to stop and re-read a passage that stroke me as special. Beautiful observations of nature co-exist with sharp comments about people and their behaviour.Sei Shonagon herself is a fascinating character. She is obviously educated, but at times sounds silly and petty. Her loyalty to her Empress is very touching. At the same time she is cruel and cold towards "ordinary" people. She seems to pay too much attention to the court dress and elegant verses. Being at court is the highest honour and achievement in life for her.Apparent promiscuity of the Heian court, which seemed to be a norm, is surprising It was also a surprise to learn that so much had been borrowed from Chinese culture and fashion. Japanese way was regarded unsophisticated and unrefined, and everybody seems to defer to Chinese tradition, fashion and literature.I wish we new more about what happened to Sei Shonagon, but she is well hidden behind those court curtains in the depth of centuries.

Bought as a present and the recipient was delighted. I was worried about buying a book such as this (after all, its main purpose is to "look good") second hand, but it was in excellent condition. As such, well worth the price.

Fascinating insights into Japanese court history.

Apart from contents, that are lovely however, it is remarkable the critical apparatus. Even a reader with scarce knowledge of japanese culture and society at Heian times is allowed to understand them.

Shorter than I expected but a delightful glimpse into palace life.