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Haiku
- GenresPoetry
160 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 25, 2025
Haiku is a centuries old Japanese art form. The poems have 17 syllables and are created to capture a scene or impression in just a few words. This collection contains English translations of haiku written by four masters and each is accompanied by an appropriate artwork.
I’m not a connoisseur of haiku. I’m not even a great poetry reader, to be honest. Reading this collection made me feel very peaceful, however, and the illustrations are generally very beautiful. In fact, I would buy this book for the artwork alone. Examples of evocative verses are -
Such joy in crossing
A summer stream
Sandals in hand
On every island
Lights have been lit
Spring sea
Even loathsome crows
Are transformed by
Morning snow
4 stars only because I would have liked some information about each of the illustrations. I appreciate that the focus is on the haiku but for me the artwork was equally fascinating.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amber Books for a review copy.
I’m not a connoisseur of haiku. I’m not even a great poetry reader, to be honest. Reading this collection made me feel very peaceful, however, and the illustrations are generally very beautiful. In fact, I would buy this book for the artwork alone. Examples of evocative verses are -
Such joy in crossing
A summer stream
Sandals in hand
On every island
Lights have been lit
Spring sea
Even loathsome crows
Are transformed by
Morning snow
4 stars only because I would have liked some information about each of the illustrations. I appreciate that the focus is on the haiku but for me the artwork was equally fascinating.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amber Books for a review copy.
May 13, 2025
Thank you @netgalley & @amberbooks #amberbooks for approving my request for this book’s arc.
With a threat of war looming between India and Pakistan from the last few days (I am in Pakistan), this book approval surely came as a beautiful surprise. Yes, we have outshined the enemy on every front and I am immensely happy and grateful about that but when it was another sleepless night yesterday, I started reading this book and what an adorable book it is!
Honestly, the scenario a Haiku presents in just a few words is surely enough to create a perfect image in your memory but the illustrations accompanying the said Haiku’s in this book are like a cherry on top. They are simply gorgeous. They are minimal, aesthetically pleasing and so captivating.
This book is definitely like a soothing balm for a stressful heart and mind as it makes you believe in the beauty and power of cherishing the simplest pleasures offered by life.
I would have loved it even if it was longer, nonetheless, reading this book was a beautiful experience.
With a threat of war looming between India and Pakistan from the last few days (I am in Pakistan), this book approval surely came as a beautiful surprise. Yes, we have outshined the enemy on every front and I am immensely happy and grateful about that but when it was another sleepless night yesterday, I started reading this book and what an adorable book it is!
Honestly, the scenario a Haiku presents in just a few words is surely enough to create a perfect image in your memory but the illustrations accompanying the said Haiku’s in this book are like a cherry on top. They are simply gorgeous. They are minimal, aesthetically pleasing and so captivating.
This book is definitely like a soothing balm for a stressful heart and mind as it makes you believe in the beauty and power of cherishing the simplest pleasures offered by life.
I would have loved it even if it was longer, nonetheless, reading this book was a beautiful experience.
July 7, 2025
This book is beautiful in every way. The haiku are translated with such sensitivity, and the pictures fit each poem perfectly. The entire book feels wholesome, quiet, and thoughtful. I found myself coming back to it again and again, and I think I’ll keep reading these poems, slowly, as time goes on.
Even I, who can’t read the Japanese alphabet, could sense the beauty in the original texts. It made me want to learn the language, just to feel that beauty more fully.
One poem in particular stayed with me:
“All that remains.
Is the break of dawn.
In white plum blossoms.”
I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Watching sunrises feels exactly like this to me—it feels lonely, as if nothing remains, but also somehow full of hope, just like the blossoms.
Even I, who can’t read the Japanese alphabet, could sense the beauty in the original texts. It made me want to learn the language, just to feel that beauty more fully.
One poem in particular stayed with me:
“All that remains.
Is the break of dawn.
In white plum blossoms.”
I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Watching sunrises feels exactly like this to me—it feels lonely, as if nothing remains, but also somehow full of hope, just like the blossoms.
December 12, 2024
Very nice 👍
March 26, 2025
My only complaint is that it should’ve been longer.
May 15, 2025
🍃 Serene, beautiful and timeless! 🍃 Reading Haiku poetry from Japan, felt like catching a fleeting moment in time—quiet, precise, and thoughtful. Each poem was a breath of fresh air, embodying a simplicity, stillness and quiet depth that sparked reflection. I felt like the beauty of Haiku lay not only in what was spoken, but also in what was left unsaid.
🌟This collection gives you a glimpse into Japan over the centuries (1644 - 1902), through the eyes and writings of four great poets. I love how entwined their observations and emotions were with nature - I think that is what made these poems feel timeless in their essence. The illustrations in the book were stunning! They added wonderfully to the experience of visualising these fleeting 'moments in time' captured by the poets.
I loved that the haikus were presented in Japanese lettering, Japanese English, and then the English translations. It was nice to be able to read them in Japanese as well this way. I enjoyed the short introduction to the poets in the beginning, along with the history of haiku poetry which set the stage well.
I'm from Bharat (India) and read a lot of books in Sanskrit that have a format of text in Devanagiri (language script for Sanskrit), English Sanskrit and then the English translation. They are written as 'shlokas' which are poetic stanzas of four lines, containing deep, layered meanings and philosophical truths. When they are recited or memorised, rhythm and sound are beautifully blended together. The meters and rhythms can vary in terms of syllables in every line for every shloka.
Therefore, I am used to reading in a similar format as how the haikus were presented, and enjoyed being able to read them in their original language. While I don't understand Japanese, it was still nice to get a phonetic understanding of the expressions in the language, and sound out the words.
💡 Interesting Fact: The longest and oldest epic poems in the world are written in Sanskrit and they originate from India. The Mahabharata (composed by Srila Vyasadeva) has more than 100,000 shlokas, and the Ramayana (composed by Maharishi Valmiki) has about 24,000 shlokas.
I loved learning about an older Japanese art form, and the tradition of Haikus through this book. They poetry was beautiful and thought-provoking. I appreciated every single poem - many often bringing a smile to my face, while some leaving a pang of emotion.
I would be more than happy to buy this book, and will certainly be returning to read through these poems again!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
🌟This collection gives you a glimpse into Japan over the centuries (1644 - 1902), through the eyes and writings of four great poets. I love how entwined their observations and emotions were with nature - I think that is what made these poems feel timeless in their essence. The illustrations in the book were stunning! They added wonderfully to the experience of visualising these fleeting 'moments in time' captured by the poets.
I loved that the haikus were presented in Japanese lettering, Japanese English, and then the English translations. It was nice to be able to read them in Japanese as well this way. I enjoyed the short introduction to the poets in the beginning, along with the history of haiku poetry which set the stage well.
I'm from Bharat (India) and read a lot of books in Sanskrit that have a format of text in Devanagiri (language script for Sanskrit), English Sanskrit and then the English translation. They are written as 'shlokas' which are poetic stanzas of four lines, containing deep, layered meanings and philosophical truths. When they are recited or memorised, rhythm and sound are beautifully blended together. The meters and rhythms can vary in terms of syllables in every line for every shloka.
Therefore, I am used to reading in a similar format as how the haikus were presented, and enjoyed being able to read them in their original language. While I don't understand Japanese, it was still nice to get a phonetic understanding of the expressions in the language, and sound out the words.
💡 Interesting Fact: The longest and oldest epic poems in the world are written in Sanskrit and they originate from India. The Mahabharata (composed by Srila Vyasadeva) has more than 100,000 shlokas, and the Ramayana (composed by Maharishi Valmiki) has about 24,000 shlokas.
I loved learning about an older Japanese art form, and the tradition of Haikus through this book. They poetry was beautiful and thought-provoking. I appreciated every single poem - many often bringing a smile to my face, while some leaving a pang of emotion.
I would be more than happy to buy this book, and will certainly be returning to read through these poems again!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 31, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this free review copy.
What a delight this book was!! Because I was reading an e-book, I couldn't really see how many pages I had left, so when I got to the last page it was a surprise, and I felt so sad. What?! No more beautiful little poems to read as I start my day???!! I will have to start over from the beginning then!
I've always been fascinated by haiku, although I am not excessively educated about it. I know enough to know the whole "5-7-5" rule is not actually correct, but an extreme simplification used to teach young school children about the format.
This lovely little collection includes translations of Basho, Buson, Issa, and Shiki. (I only recognized the names Basho & Issa, so that's how uneducated I was when I started reading.) On each page is one haiku displayed three times: in English, in phonetic romaji, and in the original Japanese calligraphy. On the facing page is a lovely minimalist illustration that matches the poem. The introduction gives a brief bio of each author, which I found very enlightening.
At its very best, a haiku perfectly describes a time or place in just a few words:
That was just exquisite, I was instantly transported to my childhood, to a small pond in a wooded clearing, hearing the "bleep" call of the frogs and the quiet "blooop" splash as they jump in the water when startled by my presence.
Sometimes the descriptions are so far outside of anything I've experienced in my 21st century American life that I just don't get it:
And sometimes I feel like I SHOULD get it, but ... I don't:
(Each of the above three haiku is written by Basho.)
I am so charmed by this edition that I may go buy myself a hardcopy to keep and admire.
What a delight this book was!! Because I was reading an e-book, I couldn't really see how many pages I had left, so when I got to the last page it was a surprise, and I felt so sad. What?! No more beautiful little poems to read as I start my day???!! I will have to start over from the beginning then!
I've always been fascinated by haiku, although I am not excessively educated about it. I know enough to know the whole "5-7-5" rule is not actually correct, but an extreme simplification used to teach young school children about the format.
This lovely little collection includes translations of Basho, Buson, Issa, and Shiki. (I only recognized the names Basho & Issa, so that's how uneducated I was when I started reading.) On each page is one haiku displayed three times: in English, in phonetic romaji, and in the original Japanese calligraphy. On the facing page is a lovely minimalist illustration that matches the poem. The introduction gives a brief bio of each author, which I found very enlightening.
At its very best, a haiku perfectly describes a time or place in just a few words:
An old pond --
The splash of
Plunging frogs.
That was just exquisite, I was instantly transported to my childhood, to a small pond in a wooded clearing, hearing the "bleep" call of the frogs and the quiet "blooop" splash as they jump in the water when startled by my presence.
Sometimes the descriptions are so far outside of anything I've experienced in my 21st century American life that I just don't get it:
In this bleak rain
Even the monkeys seem to want
Little straw cloaks
And sometimes I feel like I SHOULD get it, but ... I don't:
Those who see lightning
Without thinking of trascience
How admirable!
(Each of the above three haiku is written by Basho.)
I am so charmed by this edition that I may go buy myself a hardcopy to keep and admire.
November 23, 2024
This delightful Pocket Edition illustrated anthology of Haiku follows on from the original book, released earlier in 2024, bound and presented in the traditional Japanese style.
Hart Larrabee has taken four masters of the art of Haiku poetry, translated their works and presented them in a beautiful format once again, allowing the spare, elegant words to be able to be read anywhere, anytime.
This formal style of Japanese poetry goes back to Renga, which dates back to the medieval period (1185-1600) and was a form of Court poetry. Settled times allowed a lighter form of the poetry to emerge known as Haikai which was able to be enjoyed by people of all walks of life.
Hokku was the next style to be developed which has slowly ebbed into the modern world as a form of poetry, Haiku, that is written and enjoyed by many, but a form of poetry that must still adhere to the traditional format, that of no more than seventeen words, set out in the 5-7-5 pattern.
Each of the chosen Masters, Matsuo Basho (1644-1690, Yosa Busin (1716-1784)0, Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828) and Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902), works have been carefully selected to bring into the world of today the ever changing landscape of poetry.
Their words are presented in Japanese then translated to English, the traditional characters lining the e edge the page. Elegant pictures and sketches add an additional layer of beauty to the carefully chosen words to make the Pocket Edition of Haiku one of charm and grace.
Hart Larrabee has taken four masters of the art of Haiku poetry, translated their works and presented them in a beautiful format once again, allowing the spare, elegant words to be able to be read anywhere, anytime.
This formal style of Japanese poetry goes back to Renga, which dates back to the medieval period (1185-1600) and was a form of Court poetry. Settled times allowed a lighter form of the poetry to emerge known as Haikai which was able to be enjoyed by people of all walks of life.
Hokku was the next style to be developed which has slowly ebbed into the modern world as a form of poetry, Haiku, that is written and enjoyed by many, but a form of poetry that must still adhere to the traditional format, that of no more than seventeen words, set out in the 5-7-5 pattern.
Each of the chosen Masters, Matsuo Basho (1644-1690, Yosa Busin (1716-1784)0, Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828) and Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902), works have been carefully selected to bring into the world of today the ever changing landscape of poetry.
Their words are presented in Japanese then translated to English, the traditional characters lining the e edge the page. Elegant pictures and sketches add an additional layer of beauty to the carefully chosen words to make the Pocket Edition of Haiku one of charm and grace.
December 21, 2024
I have heard so much about haiku, I have read few once in a while. First of all a little introduction to Haiku. Haiku is a form of poetry that focuses on a brief moment in time, and a sense of sudden illumination or enlightenment. It is usually composed of 17 syllables in three short lines with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.Haiku – seventeen-syllable poems that evoke worlds despite their brevity – have captivated Japanese readers since the seventeenth century.
Today the form is practiced worldwide and has become established as part of our common global heritage. Now this book presents modern English translations of classic poems by the four great masters of Japanese haiku – Matsuo Basho, Yosa Buson, Kobayashi Issa, and Masaoka Shiki – accompanied by both the original Japanese and a phonetic transcription, and a photograph or artwork highlighting or echoing the poem's theme.
This book is a treat to the eyes. The illustrations are beautiful. The Haiku short but has impact a regular reader of poetry can understand. Even then something felt of about translation. I can not pinpoint it but it was like these were not translated to their full potential.
Overall I enjoyed reading it and will recommend to those who enjoy poetry.
Thanks you amber books and Netgalley for ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Rating : 3.5 stars
Today the form is practiced worldwide and has become established as part of our common global heritage. Now this book presents modern English translations of classic poems by the four great masters of Japanese haiku – Matsuo Basho, Yosa Buson, Kobayashi Issa, and Masaoka Shiki – accompanied by both the original Japanese and a phonetic transcription, and a photograph or artwork highlighting or echoing the poem's theme.
This book is a treat to the eyes. The illustrations are beautiful. The Haiku short but has impact a regular reader of poetry can understand. Even then something felt of about translation. I can not pinpoint it but it was like these were not translated to their full potential.
Overall I enjoyed reading it and will recommend to those who enjoy poetry.
Thanks you amber books and Netgalley for ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Rating : 3.5 stars
June 30, 2025
I love haiku. It seems so simple but somehow getting just the right syllables in just the right order to create a beautiful image is a true art which few master. Some are represented in this collection. I knew of Basho but many of the others are new to me. The stillness and echoes of nature captured here in a few words is astonishing.
"In this bleak rain
Even the monkeys seem to want
Little straw cloaks"
Basho
The little bedraggled monkey looking enviously at a cloak is so clear.
"A short summer night -
The hairy caterpillar wears
Pearls of dew"
Buson
Again an immediate picture in your head.
The images are perfect for the poetry and I like having the original poem shown even though I can’t read it. The script in itself is art.
A beautiful gift for someone who likes poetry or who needs more moments of quiet contemplation to think about streams, and caterpillars, and sandals.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley
"In this bleak rain
Even the monkeys seem to want
Little straw cloaks"
Basho
The little bedraggled monkey looking enviously at a cloak is so clear.
"A short summer night -
The hairy caterpillar wears
Pearls of dew"
Buson
Again an immediate picture in your head.
The images are perfect for the poetry and I like having the original poem shown even though I can’t read it. The script in itself is art.
A beautiful gift for someone who likes poetry or who needs more moments of quiet contemplation to think about streams, and caterpillars, and sandals.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley
December 17, 2024
I love the simplicity of haiku; writing great haiku’s doesn’t require having the most sophisticated vocabulary or wildest source of inspiration. Rather, it requires awareness of oneself and one’s surroundings. This simplicity is what makes the art form timeless. As I read Basho’s haikus, written on the other side of the world almost 400 years ago, I am able to experience exactly what it felt like to be in his shoes at the moment he wrote each poem. Often times, I find that I am easily able to relate to the things he writes about and the feelings he portrays. I find a good haiku to be incredibly grounding, emphasizing my connection with Earth and the experience of being alive. Each of these haiku masters has their own style, and they are all excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
May 26, 2025
🌸 🪲 Serene, quiet and living in the moment 🏔️ 🍃
Reading Haiku, felt like I was stepping back in time and catching a fleeting moment of pure serenity. The quiet precision, beauty and thoughtfulness of each poem embodied the phrase ‘enjoy the little things’.
True to form each poem within the book contains a kireji; and a kigo.
You tend to find that translations are natural enemies to a haiku, however Hart Larrabee showed these four poets the respect they deserved.
The layout is stunning showing not only the English and Romaji translation, but the original haiku as well. These were paired with lovely corresponding artwork.
It was an absolute joy to read.
Reading Haiku, felt like I was stepping back in time and catching a fleeting moment of pure serenity. The quiet precision, beauty and thoughtfulness of each poem embodied the phrase ‘enjoy the little things’.
True to form each poem within the book contains a kireji; and a kigo.
You tend to find that translations are natural enemies to a haiku, however Hart Larrabee showed these four poets the respect they deserved.
The layout is stunning showing not only the English and Romaji translation, but the original haiku as well. These were paired with lovely corresponding artwork.
It was an absolute joy to read.
October 6, 2024
Recently, I had the privilege of reading Haiku. I was captivated by the symbols, language, and English translation on each page. I enjoyed the seamless blend of all cultures to enjoy each haiku. The illustrations adequately highlighted the point of each haiku shared. I also enjoyed learning about the history of haikus, which helped me appreciate the depth of haikus in their original form. This entire book is a true work of art for both language and art lovers. This book is a truly visual and poetic journey, which I am glad that I took.
October 30, 2024
This is a beautiful little book where each double page has the haiku as well as an accompanying image. Each Haiku is well laid out with the original Japanese, the furigana for each of the kanji, a transliteration and a translation. Therefore, wherever you’re at in learning Japanese, you’ll gain sometime from reading it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 4, 2024
This pocket edition is a lovely book which concisely details the evolution of the haiku form through the ages. The book presents an evocative collective history of translated haikus together with beautiful matching illustrations and their original Japanese writing.
May 29, 2025
Beautifully presented, interesting and educational intro, lovely accompanying artworks
I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.
I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.
September 23, 2024
Snapped in a
Half-day storm —
Hollyhocks
… Shiki (1867 - 1902)
Half-day storm —
Hollyhocks
… Shiki (1867 - 1902)
January 23, 2025
从去年HAIKU大模型出来，说了这个词好多次都不知道意思。原来意思是俳句，日语里HAIKU是三个音节，而不是我们念的HAI‘KU。这些古典短诗都很有意思，配图也很美。A short summer night-The hairy caterpillar wears Pearls of dew. A cool wall Against my feet Naptime !
June 16, 2025
Fue interesante leerlo. Conocía los haikus por una clase que tuve,pero el formato del libro, poniendo la traducción, la pronunciación y el poema original fue una linda experiencia de lectura
September 30, 2025
Issa was my favorite out of the 4.
January 9, 2026
Short and Simple. I love Japanese culture. Was a great read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews