The Pillow Book: Revelations of a Japanese Lady-in-Waiting

“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 t...