| Title | : | Haiku World: An International Poetry Almanac |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 4770020902 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9784770020901 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 352 |
| Publication | : | First published November 1, 1996 |
These highly condensed poems often hinge on words or phrases connected with nature; Japanese anthologies have traditionally been arranged by these seasonal themes and included explanations of them. Haiku World is the first book in another language to follow this structure--with explanations of seasonal phenomena from countries, cultures, and environments on every inhabited continent.
The companion volume, The Haiku Seasons, gives an overview of the whole tradition of the haiku genre, including haiku, senryu, and linked poetry. Haiku World gives us the world today--in the most generous international collection of such poems ever published--and demonstrates our common experience, beyond cultural and geographical boundaries.
Haiku World: An International Poetry Almanac Reviews
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William J. Higginson's book attempts to serve as a bridge of insight, understanding and utility in the reading and writing of Japanese-style haiku, senryu, renku, etc. around the world. Rather than indulging in the all-too-common practice of restrictive rule sets on the reading, understanding and creation of these art forms, Higginson's work attempts to show the diversity of the world's collected body of poetic works in these forms to open up the possibilities for its future rather than perpetuate stifling controls. The book is hugely helpful in grasping the mind and tone of the classic writers as well as introducing the reader/writer to new possibilities from other cultures. I've personally found the book frequently useful for inspiration and I believe it an essential volume for the library of the haiku/senryu/renku/tanka lover and writer.
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I've read parts of it. It's basically a companion book to Higginson's HAIKU SEASONS. It's essentially an English saijiki, which is a kind of encyclopedia or almanac of words that have seasonal references or implied connections to nature. There are charts and explanations of why these words work, especially if they are specific to Japan, but most of the words can be specific globally as well.
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This saijiki is indispensable for any serious haijin (haiku writer). I have used my copy so much it is falling apart. Superb effort!
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I found my new favourite genre - Croatian haiku about animals.
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An interesting approach, like a dictionary or encyclopedia.
