An anthology tracing haiku across several centuries, from the classical tradition through later poets associated with the form’s modern development. 

The selection includes major figures such as Bashō and Shiki alongside a wider range of poets, with the poems paired throughout with monochrome illustrations. Nature dominates, but not as scenery. In haiku, weather, insects, animals, flowers, darkness and changing seasons are less “subjects” than pressure points: tiny events through which perception briefly sharpens. The effect is often almost absurdly economical — a few words, then the floor drops out.

Edited and translated by Stephen Addiss, Fumiko Yamamoto and Akira Yamamoto, this is an especially approachable entry into the tradition without flattening its strangeness.

Shambhala, Boston & London, 2009. Shambhala Library edition. Hardcover with dust jacket and ribbon marker. Illustrated throughout in black and white. Very light shelf wear to jacket; internally clean and bright, binding firm. Near fine condition.