These two works on life's fleeting pleasures are by Buddhist monks from medieval Japan but each shows a different world-view In the short memoir Hojoki Chomei recounts his decision to withdraw from worldly affairs & live as a hermit in a tiny hut in the mountains contemplating the impermanence of human existence Kenko however displays a fascination with more earthy matters in his collection of anecdotes advice & observations From ribald stories of drunken monks to aching nostalgia for the fading traditions of the Japanese court Essays in Idleness is a constantly surprising work that ranges across the spectrum of human experience Meredith Mc Kinney's excellent new translation also

Includes:: notes & an introduction exploring the spiritual & historical background of the works Chomei was born into a family of Shinto priests in around 1155 at at time when the stable world of the court was rapidly breaking up He became an important though minor poet of his day & at the age of fifty withdrew from the world to become a tonsured monk He died in around 1216 Kenko was born around 1283 in Kyoto He probably became a monk in his late twenties & was also noted as a calligrapher Today he is remembered for his wise & witty aphorisms ' Essays in Idleness' Meredith Mc Kinney who has also translated Sei Shonagon's The Pillow Book for Penguin Classics is a translator of both contemporary & classical Japanese literature She lived in Japan for twenty years & is currently a visitng fellow at the Australian National University in Canberra' Essays in Idleness is a most delightful book & one that has served as a model of Japanese style & taste since the 17th century These cameo-like vignettes reflect the importance of the little fleeting futile things & each essay is Kenko himself' Asian Student

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' De Botton is a national treasure'
- Susan Hill author of The Woman in Black With an introduction by Sheila Heti A unique love
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An assortment of fragrant wooden cone incense sets from the Esscents Home range Available in 6 different fragrances ...

An assortment of fragrant wooden incense sets from the Esscents Home range Available in 6 different fragrances ...

Essential Academic Vocabulary prepares students for academic success by helping them preview learn & practice vocabulary from the Academic Word List in context Engaging academic readings highlight chapter vocabulary in context From chapter to chapter the readings & vocabulary increase in complexity level allowing students to establish & build upon a solid vocabulary foundation ...

The best poet in America' Jean Genet He brought everybody down to earth even the angels' Leonard Cohen The definitive collection from a writer whose transgressive legacy & raw funny acutely observant writing has left an enduring mark Here is Bukowski eating walnuts & scratching his back rolling a cigarette while listening to Brahms showering with Linda in the mid-afternoon Here is Bukowski knowing that the secret is beyond him that people who never go crazy live truly horrible lives that there's a bluebird in his heart that wants to get out Here is Bukowski at his most hilarious & heart-breaking his most raw & profound; here is Bukowski at his best ...

Essential BULATS is for anyone preparing to take the BULATS test (Business Language Testing Service) & can be used at home or in class The book is organised by paper type & covers all parts of the BULATS test Practice material prepares students for each part of the test & this is followed by a sample practice test section from Cambridge ESOL which offers the most authentic test preparation available ...

Ray Mears is well known to millions of television viewers through his acclaimed series Tracks Ray Mears World of Survival & Ray Mears Extreme Survival Now based on the bestselling Bushcraft he has created a handy portable compendium of vital survival skills & wisdom from around the world Packed with essential wilderness techniques this book is an invaluable companion on any expedition ...

This is the second in a two-level series of business vocabulary & practice books It is a self studyclassroom book & CD pack The first half of the book is devoted to business vocabulary & practice the second half to skills work The audio CD features interviews with real business people & has accompanying exercises in the book The business vocabulary builders are intended as companions to the two business grammar builders by the same author ...

Specially designed for speed & ease of use the longer plates of the new Essential Care straightener with ionic care allow you to get the straight & shiny look you want faster while being gentle on your hair Long plates for fast & easy straightening More care with ion conditioning for shiny frizz-free hair 210°C professional high heat for perfect results Fast heat-up time ready to use in 60 seconds Easy storage hook for convenient storage Closing lock to close the handle for easy & safe storage Universal voltage Swivel cord to prevent tangled wires ...