Basho’s Seven Anthologies

This is the first complete English translation of BASHO’S SEVEN ANTHOLOGIES, which consists of seven haik anthologies made and compiled by Matsuo Basho (1644 -1694) and his disciples. Basho was the most celebrated haik master in the Edo Period (1603 -1868), and the author of A Long and Narrow Road and other travel pieces-now the internationally renowned poet of Japan. He traveled, taught haik, had haikai meetings, and led his disciples to a new style of poetry. Their works of haik were compiled into several anthologies. Among others, these seven anthologies (A Winter Day, A Spring Day, Waste Land, Hisago, Salmino, A Charcoal Bag, and Zok Salmino) represent the highest achievement of the haiku poetry of the Basho School-a fine selection of haik poems and linked verses (haikai). The works of Basho and other masters takes us to the golden age of haik, uncovering the beauty of the simple-style poetry, the development of haik literature, and above all, the world of linked verse (haikai) unknown to readers outside Japan. With a wealth of newly translated works of haik, this is the book for all who love poetry, especially the haik. For readers with no knowledge of haik, this book includes an introduction of haik literature, Basho’s biography, notes and commentaries.