num_pages: 355
description: Essentially Oriental presents a thematic overview of R.H. Blyth's writings on traditional Japanese and other Eastern literatures. It is the first ever representative Blyth selection.The book contains a rich variety of traditional tales and poems, ranging from Chinese ghost stories and Korean short stories, through Zen parables, to the timeless form of Haiku. Blyth's illuminating commentary and his essays on history, culture and aesthetics reflect his quest to understand and experience the poetic life within Eastern culture. The book includes a Foreword by Michael Guest, Associate Professor of Shizuoka University, and a Preface by Kuniyoshi Munakata, Director-leader of the Shakespeare Noh Company, who was Blyth's second-longest-standing student, next to the present Emperor.The front cover shows a drawing by Daruma (Bodhidharma) by Gibon Sengai (1750 - 1837). Daruma introduced Zen to China from India in the fifth or sixth century. The script reads:'Honourable Buddhist scholars, who revere Buddha, leave the East and go West. Mr. Daruma, who doesn't like Buddha, leaves the West to come East. I thought they might meet at the Teahouse of Awakening. Alas! It was only a dream.'
language: English
title: Essentially Oriental: R. H. Blyth Selection
titlecomplete: Essentially Oriental: R. H. Blyth Selection
ratings_count: 3
publisher: Hokuseido Press