Abstract

Prose and Verse of Japan

This article focuses on the book "Anthology of Japanese Literature From the Earliest Era to the Mid-Nineteenth Century," edited by Donald Keene. Despite the long history, richness and individuality of Japanese literature, it has remained almost unknown in the West outside a circle of devotees. One suspect appreciation of it is an acquired taste. But a more important factor perhaps is that translations have been scattered and too often graceless or unfeeling. This first English anthology of Japanese literature is happily a very good one. Beginning with the beginnings and ending at the mid-nineteenth century, with selections foreshadowing a modern Japan, the volume gives readers representative pieces from many major works and genres.