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

“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 Shonagon, who spent her life inside the Japanese Imperial court in the early 11th century.Bold, funny and highly perceptive, Sei Shonagon 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 Shonagon was alive today, she would be a social media phenomenon. The Pillow Book is a classic example of zuihitsu, a genre