Haiku: Edited by Peter Washington (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets Series)

You might appreciate knowing the contents:Foreward.......... 7JAPANESE HAIKUBuddha Nature.......... 11Happiness.......... 23Phases of the Moon.......... 29Birds.......... 41Creatures.......... 63Spring.......... 77Summer.......... 113Autumn.......... 159Winter.......... 181New Year.......... 207WESTERN HAIKUTraditional.......... 217Modern.......... 231Acknowledgments.......... 253***For most of my life I did not know that the haiku art form existed. When I discovered it I was instantly smitten and developed an intense desire to know everything about it including how to compose it.This book does not teach you how to compose haiku, and yet indirectly it does because the poems within serve as the best examples of successful haiku. I mean after all, these originally came from the likes of Basho, Buson, Issa, Shiki and Chiyo-ni (as well as some lesser known but no less skilled classical-era haiku poets). If one would want to learn from the best, then study the haiku from this book. Read them very slowly both out loud and to yourself many times; concentrate on one and discover what it has to offer in terms of meaning as well as imagery; search out the subtleties in tone, mood, etc.***There's a section containing some very good modern english haiku toward the back of the book.Admittedly, (for right now anyway) I favor reading and studying the classical Japanese haiku from the masters preceding the twentieth century. That isn't to say that I ignore or don't appreciate modern haiku (or modern Western haiku). Indeed, I certainly 'can' and 'do' appreciate great haiku created by anyone in the world today.I think it's only that I instinctively understand in my spirit that the "fundamentals" for learning and developing haiku-composition skills are to be found in the classical-era haiku of the recognized masters... and one should always start with the fundamentals.***The english translations by R. H. Blyth are excellent; they are very satisfying.The book itself is a relatively small, sturdy hardcover; it is well-made; it has a permanent bookmark ribbon to keep your place with.***I often found myself reading each poem as slowly as possible, not wanting to reach the end of the book.I was enjoying these haiku too much -- savoring each one. That's when it is best; that's when you are more likely to be rewarded with an insight -- when you spend significant time on just one before moving on.***I recommend this haiku collection to you if you are at all interested in reading (as well as studying) some of the haiku from the great masters.

I have loved all kinds of poetry most of my life, with the exception of the so-called modern free verse poetry being promoted today. My favorite poetry form is the short poem forms like haiku. This excellent volume is one of the best on the market because it includes haiku from the most accomplished Japanese haiku masters of the past. This volume also has several western haiku poems written by Keats, Thoreau, Whitman, Kerouac and numerous others. The Japanese masters in this text are four of the most well-known historically. They are: Basho,(1644-1694) who is considered the father of Japanese haiku, Buson,(1715-1783) Issa, (1763-1827 and Shiki (1856-1902).One of the things I really like about this book is how it is organized into specific topic areas. The Japanese haiku section includes poems on the following: Buddha nature, happiness, phases of the moon, birds, creatures, spring, summer, autumn, winter and new year. There is also a western haiku section which includes traditional and modern haiku poems. As a life-time student of numerous Japanese martial arts I also love Japanese poetry and paintings.In conclusion, if you are interested in haiku this book should be part of your personal library. It is part of mine.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Haiku Moments: How to read, write and enjoy haiku)

This is a small book that travels with me when I go to anywhere that I may have to wait. A delightful book from my personal viewpoint. A definite "keeper" for my library. It is a non-illustrated anthology that explores haiku from the ancient poets through to haiku found in more modern publications by Western authors. Well crafted it reinforces that haiku is now written all over the world by people who use this art form as a way to slow down, concentrate, focus on a moment and then express that moment in as few words as possible. Haiku for me is a daily meditation. I was first introduced to haiku in grade school and since then I try daily to keep my mind open to the possibility of a haiku. Like the book introduction says: "practiced all over the world by those who are fascinated by its combination of technical challenge, expressive means, and extreme concentration." The result of the compilation of this book really is "a collection as compact, dynamic, and scintillating as the form itself."

This is a great book if you want some easy-to-read poetry. Lots of great, classic haiku and a handful of western ones too. Plus it's actually pocket-sized!

Perfect, precise, perceptive!Gail

Pocket poet classics my favorite series! They are the biggest Little books! Small, palm sized beautifully crafted hardcover books with large easy to read font. I own several books in this series. And wish for more titles. Treat yourself! A delight.

I love poetry, and Haiku. Pretty volume, also.

I really haven't used the book, as yet. But I think it is going to be useful with ideas on creating my Haiku.

A good introduction . I do love this form of poetry. Although translated to English it losses the 5-7-5. And I'm sure a lot more. There must be ' English ' 5-7-5 . Id like that ! Too get more of a sence of Haiku.

Excellent

Excellent edition...