The Illustrated Book of Japanese Haiku: A Journey through the Seasons with Japan’s Best-Loved Poets (hardcover)

A beautifully illustrated volume of haiku poetry from the 100 most famous Japanese poets.

Ongoing spring;
a nameless mountain
under a light mist
— Basho

This beautifully illustrated collection of seasonal haiku poems by Japan’s best-known poets is the perfect book for poetry lovers or anyone who wants to learn more about Japanese haiku. Selected and exquisitely translated by William Scott Wilson, the book features more than 385 haiku by over 100 famous poets with commentary by the translator.

Seasonal poems by the “Great Four” haiku poets (Basho, Shiki, Buson and Issa) are featured alongside the works of other well-known poets like Ryokan, Kikaku and Santoka. Wilson provides fresh new translations of the classic works and includes many other delightful work of poets who are rarely found in English anthologies, including the female poets Kaga no Chojo and Hisajo, as well as haiku written by the famous Japanese novelist Soseki Natsume.

The book is illustrated with 30 lovely haiga illustrations by award-winning French artist Manda, who has received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese government for her work, the highest civilian honor given. All of the poems are presented in Japanese script with Romanized text and English translation. Audio recordings of the Japanese and English versions of the haiku are available online.