About the book
An autobiographical blend of prose and haiku from one of Japan's greatest poets.
Kobayashi Issa (1763–1827), along with Bashō and Buson, is considered one of the three greatest haiku poets of Japan, known for his attention to poignant detail and playful sense of humor. Issa’s most beloved work, The Spring of My Life, is an autobiographical sketch of linked prose and haiku in the tradition of Bashō’s celebrated Narrow Road to the Interior. This edition also includes more than 160 of Issa’s most revered haiku and an introduction that provides essential background on Issa’s life as well as valuable information on translating (and reading) haiku.
This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series.
The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.
Editions of The Spring of My Life
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781570621444
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781611806939
- EBook
- ISBN 9780834828285
Read an Excerpt
An autobiographical blend of prose and haiku from one of Japan's greatest poets.
Kobayashi Issa (1763–1827), along with Bashō and Buson, is considered one of the three greatest haiku poets of Japan, known for his attention to poignant detail and playful sense of humor. Issa’s most beloved work, The Spring of My Life, is an autobiographical sketch of linked prose and haiku in the tradition of Bashō’s celebrated Narrow Road to the Interior. This edition also includes more than 160 of Issa’s most revered haiku and an introduction that provides essential background on Issa’s life as well as valuable information on translating (and reading) haiku.
This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series.
The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Spring of My Life about?
An autobiographical blend of prose and haiku from one of Japan's greatest poets.
Kobayashi Issa (1763–1827), along with Bashō and Buson, is considered one of the three greatest haiku poets of Japan, known for his attention to poignant detail and playful sense of humor. Issa’s most beloved work, The Spring of My Life, is an autobiographical sketch of linked prose and haiku in the tradition of Bashō’s celebrated Narrow Road to the Interior. This edition also includes more than 160 of Issa’s most revered haiku and an introduction that provides essential background on Issa’s life as well as valuable information on translating (and reading) haiku.
This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series.
The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Spring of My Life?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Poetry / Poems > Poetry / poems by form or style > Poetry / poems by form or style: Haiku
Where can I read a sample of The Spring of My Life?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781570621444
Is The Spring of My Life part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Shambhala Pocket Library
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Spring of My Life?
Kobayashi Issa
Who is the Publisher of the book The Spring of My Life?
Shambhala
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Spring of My Life is available as paperback(ISBN 9781570621444) and paperback(ISBN 9781611806939) and ebook(ISBN 9780834828285)
Where can I buy The Spring of My Life online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Spring of My Life from below
Where can I buy The Spring of My Life?