In "Basho, The Chief Poet of Japan and the Hokku, or Epigram Verses," Matsuo Bashō's mastery of haiku and hokku poetry is on full display. The collection showcases Bashō's profound ability to distill moments of nature and human experience into concise and powerful verses.

Readers will be struck by Bashō's keen observation of the world around him, as well as his ability to convey deep emotions and insights through his deceptively simple poetry. Each poem in the collection is a gem, inviting readers to pause and reflect on the beauty and transience of life.

In addition to the haiku and hokku poems themselves, the book provides valuable context and insight into Bashō's life and work. Through the editor's notes and commentary, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for Bashō's poetic vision and the cultural significance of his work.

Overall, "Basho, The Chief Poet of Japan and the Hokku, or Epigram Verses" is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese poetry or seeking to connect with the natural world through the power of words. Bashō's timeless verses continue to resonate with readers centuries after they were written, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of poetry to capture the beauty and fragility of life.

Book Description:
During his lifetime, Bashō was recognized for his works in the collaborative haikai no renga form; today, after centuries of commentary, he is recognized as the greatest master of haiku (then called hokku). He is quoted as saying, “Many of my followers can write hokku as well as I can. Where I show who I really am is in linking haikai verses.” This short anthology of haiku by Bashō and his pupils features poetry in their original Japanese, with translations and commentary in English by Basil Hall Chamberlain, a professor of Japanese at Tokyo Imperial University.