Basho and His Interpreters

By Makoto Ueda,

Book cover of Basho and His Interpreters: Selected Hokku with Commentary

Book description

This book has a dual purpose. The first is to present in a new English translation 255 representative hokku (or haiku) poems of Matsuo Basho (1644-94), the Japanese poet who is generally considered the most influential figure in the history of the genre. The second is to make available in…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Basho and His Interpreters as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Matsuo Bashō is considered the most influential figure in the history of hokku (or haiku) poems and this book brings them to life with excellent English translations and commentary. I particularly enjoy Bashō because he was a traveller. He didn’t just sit and write poems in comfy surroundings. He hit the road and wrote about his experiences, be they good or bad. In many ways, they are the humorous, spontaneous, gritty writings of a fatigued experiencer of life. One of my favourites - “My summer robe, there are still some lice, I have not caught”. Ueda’s book is brilliant and…

From Craig's list on understanding Japan and the Japanese.

Want books like Basho and His Interpreters?

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Basho and His Interpreters.

Browse books like Basho and His Interpreters

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Japan, haiku, and Edo Japan?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Japan, haiku, and Edo Japan.

Japan Explore 466 books about Japan
Haiku Explore 15 books about haiku
Edo Japan Explore 10 books about Edo Japan