The Pocket Haiku

by Matsuo Bashō, Yosa Buson, Kobayashi Issa

Quintessential classical Japanese haiku--selected and translated by one of America's premier poet-translators--now available in a pocket edition.

In this collection of haiku, translator Sam Hamill has compiled the best from the tradition, spanning the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries, with particular focus on the three great Bashō, Buson, and Issa. Based on images from nature, the poems address the themes of joy, temporality, beauty, wonder, loneliness, and loss.

Haiku may be the most popular and widely recognizable poetic form in the world. In just three lines a great haiku presents a crystalline moment of image, emotion, and awareness. Elements of compassion, silence, and a sense of temporality often combine to reveal a quality of mystery. Just as often, haiku may bring a startling insight into the ordinary, or a flash of humor. Collected here are over two hundred of the best haiku of Japanese literature--written by the great masters of the genre.

The featured poets are Bashō, Buson, Issa, Moritake, Sōin, Sanpū, Kikaku, Ransetsu, Kyorai, Raizan, Kakei, Onitsura, Taigi, Chiyo, Sogetsuni, Sogi, Fuhaku, Teiga, Kikusha-ni, Tayo-jo, Sōchō, Shōha, and Shiki.

     This is a pocket-size reissue of The Sound of Water (Shambhala, 1995).

Genres: Poetry, Japan, 21st Century

117 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2014

About the author

Known Japanese poet Matsuo Basho composed haiku, infused with the spirit of Zen.

The renowned Matsuo Bashō (松尾 芭蕉) during his lifetime of the period of Edo worked in the collaborative haikai no renga form; people today recognize this most famous brief and clear master.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsuo_...

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not speak Japanese,
but WOW to the art of saying SO MUCH in 12 syllables!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I wish she were here
to listen to my bitching
and enjoy this moon"
- Issa

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable mini book of haiku. Wish I hadn't gobbled it down as would be good to carry in my purse to read during odd times and still might do that.

[asih simanis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s very difficult to get a collection of Haiku of the greatest Japanese Haiku masters, and this was something I had always looked for. The book starts with an introduction to the three main Haiku Masters that will be presented in the book, Matsuo Basho (the true master), Buson (his disciple) and Issa (another disciple). Then it goes on to give us the Haiku’s of these three men, with additional famous Haiku’s from other less important poets (who still produced some important work but not as much as the masters).

I have to say firstly, the introduction was written beautifully. I’m grateful it is this way that I was introduced to the Haiku Masters, this will forever change how I view them from now on. Secondly, Haiku is so beautiful. I don’t think I was able to appreciate it when I was younger. And thirdly, I love how small the size of the book is that I can probably start bringing it everywhere as I feel I wanna re read and remember these Haiku’s all one by one.

[Jerome Berglund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth owning for the informative, knowledgeable introduction alone! Excellent selections and eloquent translating, I've read quite a few collections and admired the choices made with familiar poems and opportunities to enjoy some fresh, engaging new ones. Besides the three most well known the Other Poets section at the end contains many wonderful additions. Can be enjoyed by the expert and initiate to the wonders of the form equally. Size and shape are delightful, quite handily portable as well. If you want to be brought up to speed with traditions and history speedily and efficiently an excellent place to start, for the more advanced student some great details and fleshing out of core concepts too. A fine book every self respecting haiku lover could benefit from adding to their library and breast pocket!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was so small!!!
The book was interesting as well, able 3 Japanese people. One is about their life about their surroundings, and the other, an artist of a family and his visual meaning. Lastly, a man who was ignored, abandoned, and abused of his family's name. He (Issa) was able to rest in peace, after having the one thing he wanted, a baby girl.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haikus are small and this book is the perfect pocket size for even tiny pockets! Great for “poem in your pocket” day every April! It includes a small section on a dozen or so lesser known Haiku poets including one Haiku by Chiyo-Ni a woman Haiku Master and ends with only 6 Haikus by Shiki. I love carrying this book in my pocket or purse. Beautiful verse easily accessible anytime anywhere!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading these haiku is probably the closest I've come to successfully meditating, as each one—a moment, image, or thought encapsulated in three short lines—snags the brain and asks it to stay for a moment. Definitely won't be the last time I turn to this small book for a respite from the world.

[Nav · Rating 3 out of 5]

The majority of the poems that make up this pocket book are Basho, Buson, and Issa. Typical of haiku, this collection contains a lot of vivid imagery.

[Daniel Jansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good little book of haiku.

[Ian Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew a few of these already. It was the perfect little tiny airport book. I copied a few of my favorites into my commonplace book.

[Thu Than · Rating 4 out of 5]

completed this tiny pocket book of haiku in one afternoon. it was a fun and light read. made me realize how much you can describe a scene with just a few words.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

good collection, very convenient book format

[David Rullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the tradition of the haiku I'll keep this short--an essential read (feel free to add 12 more syllabels to complete).