Written by the Court gentlewoman Sei Shōnagon (c. 966-1017) ostensibly for her own amusement, “The Pillow Book” is one of the greatest works of Japanese literature. A fascinating exploration of life amongst the nobility at the height of the idyllic Heian period, it describes the exquisite pleasures of a confined world in which poetry, love, fashion and whim dominated, and harsh reality was kept firmly at a distance. In sections ranging in size from brief reflections to longer, lyrical tales, Shōnagon moves elegantly across a wide range of themes including nature, society and her own flirtations and frustrations, to provide a witty, unique and deeply personal insight into a woman’s life at Court in classical Japan.

Meredith McKinney’s new translation captures the poetic and playful tone of the original, while her introduction explores the nature of the Japanese Court of the era. This edition includes notes, maps and drawings, a detailed glossary of terms and essays “Court Ranks, Titles and Bureaucracy” and “Clothes and Colour Glossary”.

Translated with Notes by Meredith McKinney.