The Pillow Book (Revelations of a Japanese Lady-in-Waiting)

“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 … ”

“Hateful things: one has been foolish enough to invite a man to spend the night in an unsuitable place – and then he starts snoring.”

“Things that give a clean feeling: the play of light on w ater as one pours it into a vessel.”

Known for its refined style, sharp wit and observational detail, The Pillow Book 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.

The Pillow Book is a classic example of zuihitsu, 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.

Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding, The Pillow Book is an utterly delightful collection that will amuse, entrance and surprise at turns.