Delphi Collected Works of Basho and the Haikuists (Illustrated)

Book excerpt: The most famous poet of the Edo period in Japan, Matsuo Basho was of samurai descent and a Zen Buddhist, who became a master of haiku. He helped create a new style of poetry, capturing the meaning of the world into simple poetry. His work is celebrated for contrasting two separate experiences, reflecting the environment and emotions of a single moment, taken directly from nature. Haiku is a short form of poetry, composed of three phrases and 17 syllables. It has been employed by Basho and his fellow haikuists throughout the last five hundred years to convey an extraordinary depth of expression and ornate beauty. The Delphi Poets Series offers readers the works of literature’s finest poets, with superior formatting. This volume presents a wide selection of haiku by the leading poets of the last five centuries, with new translations, illustrations and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1) * Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Basho’s life and works * Comprehensive introduction to the haiku form * Concise introduction to the life and poetry of Basho and other prominent haikuists * Original translations by Michael Haldane * Excellent formatting of the poems * Includes a wide selection of haikuists * Features two analytical works on the development of the haiku form Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to see our wide range of poet titles CONTENTS: Introduction Introduction to Haiku by Michael Haldane The Haiku Prominent Haikuists Other Haikuists Analysis Poetry of the Seventeenth Century by William George Aston Japanese Poetry by Basil Hall Chamberlain Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of poetry titles or buy the entire Delphi Poets Series as a Super Set