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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan - The Sarashina Diary - The Diary of Murasaki Shikibu - The Diary of Izumi Shikibu translated By Annie Shepley Omori and Kochi Doi - With An Introduction By Amy Lowell - The Japanese have a convenient method of calling their historical periods by the names of the places which were the seats of government while they lasted. The first of these epochs of real importance is the Nara Period, which began A.D. 710 and endured until 794; all before that may be classed as archaic. Previous to the Nara Period, the Japanese had been a semi-nomadic race. As each successive Mikado came to the throne, he built himself a new palace, and founded a new capital; there had been more than sixty capitals before the Nara Period. Such shifting was not conducive to the development of literature and the arts, and it was not until a permanent government was established at Nara that these began to flourish. This is scarcely the place to trace the history of Japanese literature, but fully to understand these charming "Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan," it is necessary to know a little of the world they lived in, to be able to feel their atmosphere and recognize their allusions. We know a good deal about Japan to-day, but the Japan with which we are familiar only slightly resembles that of the Diaries. Centuries of feudalism, of "Dark Ages," have come between. We must go behind all this and begin again. We have all heard of the "Forty-seven Ronins" and the No Drama, of Shoguns, Daimios, and Samurais, and many of us live in daily communion with Japanese prints. It gives us pause to reflect that the earliest of these things is almost as many centuries ahead of the Ladies as it is behind us. "Shogun" means simply "General," and of course there were always generals, but the power of the Shoguns, and the military feudalism of which the Daimios and their attendant Samurais were a part, did not really begin until the middle of the twelfth century and did not reach its full development until the middle of the fourteenth; the No Drama started with the ancient religious pantomimic dance, the Kagura, but not until words were added in the fourteenth century did it become the No; and block colour printing was first practised in 1695, while such famous print artists as Utamaro, Hokusai, and Hiroshige are all products of the eighteenth or early nineteenth centuries. To find the Ladies behind the dark military ages, we must go back a long way, even to the century before their own, and so gain a sort of perspective for them and their time.

Immerse yourself in the elegance and intrigue of ancient Japan with "Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan." This exquisite collection features the intimate writings of three remarkable women: Sarashina, Murasaki Shikibu, and Izumi Shikibu, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and thoughts of court ladies during the Heian period. As these diaries unfold, a compelling question emerges: What secrets lie behind the delicate screens of the court, and how did these women navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations? Each diary reveals the rich tapestry of court life, from poetic expressions to candid reflections on love and loss. The voices of Sarashina, Murasaki, and Izumi resonate with authenticity, transporting readers to a time of beauty and artistic achievement, while shedding light on the emotional landscapes of women often overlooked by history. This edition revives these classic texts, making them accessible for modern readers who seek to understand the depth of human experience through the eyes of these extraordinary women. Their stories invite you to explore the intersection of personal desire and cultural duty. Are you ready to delve into the intimate world of court ladies in "Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan"? Engage with poignant passages that reflect the timeless struggles of love and identity, allowing you to connect with the past in a profound way. This collection invites you to appreciate the artistry of their writing and the resilience of their spirits. This is your opportunity to uncover the intimate thoughts and experiences of women who shaped Japanese literature. Will you embark on this journey through time and emotion? Don’t miss the chance to own this remarkable anthology. Purchase "Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan" now, and experience the beauty and depth of these timeless voices!