{"title":"Illustrated by Reginald Jackson","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9784805318003","title":"Hojoki","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiscover the tranquil wisdom of Chomei's 13th-century masterpiece, \u003ci\u003eHojoki\u003c\/i\u003e, as it unveils the beauty of imperfection and the serenity of a simple life amidst the chaos of existence.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eHojoki\u003c\/i\u003e is an introspective poem written in the 13th century by the enigmatic Japanese hermit Kamo no Chomei, who as a young man served in the capital as official court poet but later in life withdrew from society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComposed in a time of devastating fires, floods, earthquakes, droughts and famines, Chomei's masterpiece reflects on the impermanence of things, expressing life's mysterious beauty and the profound wisdom to be found in nature.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChomei paints a vivid picture of the chaos and suffering of the human condition. Amidst this turmoil, he discovers an oasis of calm in a simple mountain hut, where he contemplates the virtues of nature and the \u003ci\u003ewabi sabi\u003c\/i\u003e beauty of imperfection in all things.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn their friends,\u003cbr\u003ePeople like to find affluence and a ready smile.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCompassion and honesty,\u003cbr\u003eNot so much.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo why not make friends with music and nature instead:\u003cbr\u003eThe moon; the flowers?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI know my needs,\u003cbr\u003eAnd I know the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI want for nothing,\u003cbr\u003eAnd do not labor to acquire things.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eQuietude is all I desire:\u003cbr\u003eTo be free from worry is happiness enough.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis new translation by Matthew Stavros, presented alongside the original Classical Japanese, perfectly captures the profound serenity of Chomei's writings. His poignant verses serve as timely reminders that amidst the uncertainty of this world, true contentment can often be found in the simple life, in embracing fleeting moments, and in seeking solace in nature's beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56313309331829,"sku":"9784805318003","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9784805318003_f3577b7b-91db-476d-9823-6e270d55e4c0.jpg?v=1786031971"},{"product_id":"the-tale-of-princess-kaguya","title":"The Tale of Princess Kaguya","description":"One of the great works of early literature—a fantastical tale of beauty, intrigue, lust and salvation.   The Tale of Princess Kaguya is Japan's oldest surviving prose narrative and one of its most famous literary works. Familiar to every Japanese child, the story, also called The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, tells of a tiny otherworldly girl found inside a bamboo stalk, whose beauty captivates emperors and commoners alike.   Blending folklore, romance and mythology, the tale explores timeless themes of greed, lust and loss. Beneath its surface lies a strikingly modern current of female empowerment, as its heroine quietly resists the desires and demands of a world that seeks to possess her.   This definitive edition presents the original text alongside an engaging English translation by Matthew Stavros that highlights the poetry and biting wit of the tale. Insightful commentary, illustrations and superb scholarship make this a book that will appeal to every lover of Japanese language, culture and literature.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57510249398645,"sku":"9784805320358","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9784805320358.jpg?v=1787130588"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/illustrator-reginald-jackson.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}