{"product_id":"the-pillow-book-revelations-of-a-japanese-lady-in-waiting-hardcover","title":"The Pillow Book: Revelations of a Japanese Lady-In-Waiting - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eSei Shonagon\u003c\/b\u003e (Author), \u003cb\u003eMelanie Clegg\u003c\/b\u003e (Translator)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"A preacher ought to be good looking. For if we are to properly understand his worthy sentiments, we must keep our eyes on him while he speaks ... \" \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"Hateful things: one has been foolish enough to invite a man to spend the night in an unsuitable place - and then he starts snoring.\" \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"Things that give a clean feeling: the play of light on w ater as one pours it into a vessel.\" \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eKnown for its refined style, sharp wit and observational detail, \u003ci\u003eThe Pillow Book\u003c\/i\u003e is a masterpiece of Japanese literature that introduces the reader to the musings of lady-in-waiting Sei Shōnagon, who spent her life inside the Japanese Imperial court in the early 11th century. Bold, funny and highly perceptive, Sei Shōnagon offers a deeply personal view of court life - including the ceremony, the pomp and the elegance - but most of all, provides an intimate view of human foibles and behaviour. If Sei Shōnagon was alive today, she would be a social media phenomenon. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Pillow Book\u003c\/i\u003e is a classic example of \u003ci\u003ezuihitsu\u003c\/i\u003e, a genre of loosely connected essays, lists and diary entries that reflect the author's spontaneous thoughts. This abridged edition offers hundreds of stories, poems and aphorisms from the original, exploring themes as wide-ranging as tales of annoying lovers who make too much noise on leaving a room in the early morning; through a court scene where a misbehaving cat disrupts a royal visit; to the delights of pinching a plump baby or seeing a garden covered in fresh snow. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBeautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding, \u003ci\u003eThe Pillow Book\u003c\/i\u003e is an utterly delightful collection that will amuse, entrance and surprise at turns.\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSei Shonagon (, c. 966-1025) was a Japanese court lady and writer during the Heian period (circa 966-1017). Serving Empress Teishi, she gained fame for 'The Pillow Book', a witty, observational diary blending essays, lists, and anecdotes. Her work offers rich insight into court life and aesthetics of the time. Although little is known about her later life, she remains celebrated for her literary style and sharp, often humorous, commentary. \u003cbr\u003eMelanie Clegg holds a BA (Hons) in Japanese Studies from the University of Oxford. After almost a decade spent in Japan, she now resides in the UK where she works as a freelance Japanese to English translator of video games and other entertainment media. She lives with her husband and their two one-eyed cats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 96\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.9 x 10.2 x 8.1 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e October 20, 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n            ","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55233907556685,"sku":"9781838866990","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0927\/3304\/7117\/files\/xUMKQQnis59781838866990.webp?v=1793335829","url":"https:\/\/belfastbooks.us\/products\/the-pillow-book-revelations-of-a-japanese-lady-in-waiting-hardcover","provider":"belfastbooks.us","version":"1.0","type":"link"}