Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death by Yoel Hoffmann Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death
Book Review: Could have been better
Summary: 2 Stars
I think that this book had the potential to be better than it is. Many of the poems are amazing. Of particular interest were the poems of the Zen masters. Their death poems show a lifelong dedication to searching for enlightenment and the final fruition of a philosophy where the difference between life and death is meaningless. The summaries of the lives and deaths of many of the poets provide an interesting illustration of the culture of the Japanese poets. However, I was less impressed by the work of the so called "haiku poets" many of these men were not masters of their craft and it is obvious in their death poems. Also the introduction is full of interesting information, but is quite dry considering the unusual subject matter of the book would seem to offer endless possibilities for an interesting commentary.Book Review: Not as Grim as it Sounds
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a well-researched book that contains approximately 200 "death" poems, with each averaging 3 lines. The author presents a detailed description of each poem, with a discussion of its cultural significance and the meaning of each line in the poem. For example, the death poem:
Clouds drifting off:
The sight of
Moonlit heavens.
In this poem, the reference to clouds refers to the Japanese belief that floating clouds symbolize the life of man. The author of this poem died in August, which is a traditional month of moon viewing in Japan.
While the title sounds grim, in Japanese culture death poems are a celebration of death, written by the person who his facing his or her own mortality. Death, in this context, is a transition to another life form (in my opinion). In addition to the poems, the author presents a beautiful discussion of poetry in Japan, and how it relates to their view of death. The book contains poems from Zen monks and famous haiku poets.
Another poem that appealed to me as a writer:
I write, erase, rewrite,
Erase again, and then
A poppy blooms.
Ron Atkins is the author of two children's books, Abby and the Bicycle Caper, and his upcoming (January 2005) Abby and the Bike Race Mystery.
Book Review: interesting tales
Summary: 5 Stars
This book should be a very good read to you if you are interested in japanese culture and history. I have not yet finished the book but so far it has kept me wanting to return to its pages. In most cases it explores the lives of various interesting people and then gives you their last written words which you can find your own meaning in, it sets the mood for reflection. It is very refreshing and calming to read.Book Review: one of the best compilations of any poetry i've ever seen
Summary: 5 Stars
this book will be one of the favorites of any sort in my collection for quite some time, i'm sure. it's filled with absolutely beautiful poems which range far beyond the gloomy atmosphere many people would expect of them. the begining portion of the book is written sort of like a textbook, and provides very interesting reading on japanese literature and history. then it is followed by the death poems of zen monks, which i find to be the most interesting portion of the book. concluding the book is a long section devoted to the last poems of very numerous haiku poets. this book shines a new light on the subject of death, and is quite well translated.Book Review: We Are All Getting Ready To Have To Take The Ride!
Summary: 5 Stars
A superb collection of "last words" in poetry, this volume should be savoured and returned to - repeatedly. It has an impressive range of contributors from various traditions and the variety of expression in the poems compensates in part for the lack of a bilingual text. A book that belongs on poetry bookshelves as well as by the bedside during the thin gauzy hours with faint moonlight casting shadows of doubt...