One Hundred Verses from Old Japan by Fujiwara no Teika is a captivating collection of poetry that offers a glimpse into the cultural and literary traditions of ancient Japan. The verses, which date back to the Heian period, are beautifully rendered in English translation, preserving the lyrical quality and elegant simplicity of the original Japanese. Teika's selection showcases a wide range of themes, from nature and love to melancholy and nostalgia, painting a rich and nuanced portrait of life in medieval Japan. Each verse is a miniature gem, brimming with emotion and insight, inviting readers to linger over its delicate imagery and subtle nuances. This timeless collection is a treasure trove of poetic treasures, offering a window into a bygone era and a reminder of the enduring power of verse to illuminate the human experience.

Book Description:

In 12th-13th century Japan there lived a man named Fujiwara no Teika (sometimes called Sadaie), a well-regarded poet in a society that prized poetry. At one point in his life he compiled the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (often known simply as the Hyakunin Isshu), which means “A Hundred Poems by A Hundred Poets” (literally “A hundred people, one poem [each]“).

This collection of a hundred poems is known to almost all Japanese, and over the years it has been translated by many different people. One of the early translators of the collection was William Porter. His translation, first published in 1909, was titled “A Hundred Verses from Old Japan”.