Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death

Gave it to my dad as a gift, he absolutely loved it and quoted to me from it for weeks.

A must read for fans of Japanese poetry

Insightful and sometimes profound. What more important subject for poetry is there? Don't think this is full of sad or depressing poetry. If you're a fan of Haiku or other forms of Japanese poetry then this is well worth a look.

This featured in the TV version of Narrow Road to the Deep North and I’m glad it did. An elegant and singularly un morose collection which sheds light on Japanese thought on life.

Great quality of research & compilation. Very interesting angle of view on Haiku. I recommend this book to any Haiku or Zen/Buddhism enthusiast. Well done Professor Hoffmann and thank you.

My lad chose this book. Researched it... feels like reading variety of books enhance his vocabulary and knowledge

I have given this book to fans of Japan and to fans of poetry. I always get strange looks when the wrapping paper comes off, but it is worth it. I love this collection.

a beautiful book, really enjoyed this one

Beautiful poetry and illustrations.

overall good poetry book I wished all the poems to be written also in Japanese

Such a magnificent collection of the purest poetry.

この本の成立に関わった方から紹介され手に取りました。 筆者は今年の8月に亡くなられましたが、研究者として、作家として豊かな知性と感性をもって、若い人々を導き世に問いかけてこられました。 今、彼の祖国の人々が苦しい状況にある中で、この本を通して、かつて日本に滞在し、日本の文学やそこに宿る精神を母国をはじめ広く世界に紹介しようとした彼の業績に思いをはせ、異文化への敬意と理性による共生社会への希望の光が広がる事を願います。

I have loved all kinds of poetry for most of my life, with the exception of the so-called "modern western free verse" form, which I call garbage poetry. My favorite poems are the shorter type (Haiku) which is why I love Japanese poetry with its Zen like approach to writing poetry. This 366 page paperback edition is to my knowledge the first book dedicated exclusively to Japanese Death Poems, which makes it unique and highly informative. To those not familiar with death poetry, it was a practice of Japanese monks, Samurai, (warriors) and other Haiku Poets to write a poem at the moment of their death. One of the many things I love about this book is the short biography and age of the poet writing the poem. This excellent book is well-written and it is clear a lot of hard research went into the writing of this volume. This text is organized into three parts. The first part includes the introduction, the poetry of Japan, death and its poetry in the cultural history of Japan and a note on the poems. The second part covers Death Poems by Zen Monks. The final section has numerous death poems written by Haiku Poets. This volume also had notes, Bibliographical notes, an index of poetic terms and a general index. In conclusion, if you have an interest in Japanese poetry this is one book you will want to add to your collection. I have read and reviewed numerous Asian (Chinese, Japanese etc) poetry collections and it was a pure joy to read the many poems in this book. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Haiku Moments: How to read, write and enjoy haiku)