The Hokku Or Epigram Versus Of Basho

by Matsuo Bashō

The Hokku or Epigram Verses of Basho is a book written by Charles F. Horne. It is a collection of poems by the famous Japanese poet Matsuo Basho, who is considered to be one of the greatest haiku poets of all time. The book contains a selection of Basho's hokku, which are short poems that consist of three lines and follow a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. These poems are known for their simplicity, elegance, and ability to capture the essence of a moment or experience. Charles F. Horne provides an introduction to the book, which gives readers an overview of Basho's life and work, as well as an explanation of the hokku form. The book also includes translations of the hokku into English, which allow readers to appreciate the beauty and depth of Basho's poetry. Overall, The Hokku or Epigram Verses of Basho is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese poetry or haiku.THIS 26 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE Sacred Books and Early Literature of the Japan, by Charles F. Horne. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766100111.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

28 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2005

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

[Vaishali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, though riddled with animal cruelty. Selected poems from the master Basho, a nobleman-turned-Buddhist monk. After his house burned down, he wandered Japan sharing and teaching his lovely haiku. Also features poetry from his pupils.

Favorites:
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"Nothing in a cicada's voice gives token of a speedy death."

"In the bright moonlight what appeared as flowers is a cotton field."

"A rainy day in June and yet the sunflower bends to the sun's course."

"For all my contriving here I am again at the end of the year with nothing but my strip of matting."

"Taking the cool at eve I do rejoice that I was born a man."

"I, New Year's Day, with a clear sky and conversation among the sparrows."

"Come, breeze. Lightly blow upon the flowers, bubbles in the wine."

"Behold the wild geese winding homeward, mingled with the pilgrim bands."

"Begged by a sorry mate, the cat intently gazes at the sky."

"Behold the leaf that sinks and clings below the water to a rock."

"Plum blossoms! Is it that the sap still courses through that single branch?"

"Weary perhaps of dolorous love, the cat has stolen a bit to eat."

"The nightingale, and at the gate, the unexpected bean curd vendor."