Watson Books

RYOKAN : Zen Monk-Poet of Japan. Translated by Burton Watson. 121 pages. New York : Columbia University Press, 1977 and Reprinted.

Burton Watson has always struck me as an eminently civilized scholar and as a fine translator. Unlike certain others, he wears his scholarship lightly, and doesn't overburden the text with extraneous matter. His many translations from Chinese and Japanese Literature are of uniformly high quality, and are well worth having as they are books one often wants to returns to.

Watson tells us that Ryokan (1758-1831) left about 450 Chinese poems and 1400 Japanese poems. The present book, besides giving us a brief, interesting, and informative 13-page Introduction, contains translations of 43 of the Chinese and 83 of the Japanese poems, along with two very short prose pieces - 'Admonitory Words' and 'Statement on Begging for Food.'

Whereas we have been given only the bare translations of the Chinese poems, Watson has thoughtfully provided "the originals of the Japanese poems ... in romanized form, since poetry in classical Japanese is quite intelligible in such form" (page 12). Finding numbers have been included for all of the poems, and bibliographical details of the sources used by Watson will be found on pages 12-13 of his Introduction.

Ryokan (1758-1831) is one of Japan's best-loved poets, and was born in the "snow country" of Echigo Province on the west coast of Japan. His family was fairly prosperous, the atmosphere in his home was literary and religious, and at the age of about nineteen, possibly as the result of some inner spiritual crisis, he decided to become a Buddhist monk and entered the local Zen temple, Kosho-ji.

It was at this time that he took the name 'Ryokan' - 'ryo' signifying good; 'kan' signifying generosity and largeheartedness. It would be difficult to think of a more appropriate name than 'Good Heart' for the kind of person that Ryokan was, and it goes a great way towards explaining the great love the Japanese have for him.

In him we find the heart of the mother - one who doesn't judge, one who understands, one who accepts and loves us as we are and for what we are - but in Ryokan's case one whose love extended to the whole universe and its myriad beings, whether human, animal, or plant, even the inanimate.

After twelve years of Zen training, Ryokan left Kosho-ji and began a series of pilgrimages that lasted five years. He then returned to his native village, found an abandoned hermitage nearby, and was to spend most of the rest of his life there, meditating, writing, and interacting with the world around him.

The poems he wrote are largely concerned with events in his daily life, and can be read with enjoyment by anyone. In them we find him observing nature, sitting alone through long cold nights and suffering other hardships, exhibiting great compassion for non-human creatures, remembering the past, struggling with loneliness, drinking sake with the local farmers, and playing with the village children. Seemingly simple, these poems can conceal real depths, depths that will be apparent to those familiar with Zen and with Buddhist ideas such as 'no-mind' and 'impermanence,' and with certain Buddhist symbols.

But, as I've indicated, a knowledge of these is not really necessary to appreciate the poems, since Ryokan's main appeal is to our humanity, something we all share. Here is an example of one of the shorter Chinese poems, with my slash marks added to indicate line breaks:

"Blue sky, cold wild-geese crying; / empty hills, tree leaves whirling. / Sunset, road through a hazy village: / going home alone, carrying an empty bowl" (page 78).

Here is one of the Japanese poems:

"Children! / shall we be going now / to the hill / of Iyahiko / to see how the violets are blooming?" (page 27).

Sometimes it seems to me that much of modern literature is a literature of confusion, but that what Ryokan has to offer is a literature of clarity. Ryokan was fully human. He had established contact with reality. His love and compassion were infinite. In this he becomes a model for us all.

The present book, as I've indicated, gives only a small selection from Ryokan. Those whose appetite has been whetted, and who would like more, might take a look at John Stevens 'ONE ROBE, ONE BOWL : The Zen Poetry of Ryokan,' another book of selections which I'm sure they will also enjoy. On the whole, I think Stevens succeeds slightly better in some ways, but though Stevens is good, Watson is good too, and there are few who could do as good a job as either.

This is one of three competent translations of Ryokan's poetry. As each of them is only a sliver of his total poetry output, don't consider them competetors, get them all. But start here.

This collection sets itself apart by including a poetic version of a jataka tale (Rabbit in the Moon), an abridged "Admonitory words" written for himself, and a prose piece on begging - this in addition to a well-chosen selection of translations of poem written in Chinese and Japanese. This book also has a few comments attached to some poems to place them in the life of Ryokan. The net result is a translation that makes it more apparent Ryokan's religious content than the other excellent translations. Watson's familarity with the Chinese poets admired by Ryokan also shows through in the notes and translations. This is a great place to start reading Ryokan's excellent poetry.

Primer libro que leo de este autor, dificil de leer al principio pero una vez familiarizado con la trama aunque muy larga es facilisimo de leer

Un maravilloso paseo por la conquista de mexico a traves de los ojos de el hijo de una india con un español, lo que significaba ser el producto de esta relacion. Un viaje maravilloso por la riqueza cultural de nuestro pais

Esta es la historia de Cristobal el Bastardo, híbrido de dos razas la blanca española y la india americana, abandonado y despreciado por ambos, educado desde su más tierna infancia por un sacerdote que le esconde su verdadero origen que tras ser asesinado en oscuras circunstancias lo obliga a llevar una vida de auténtico lépero, a vagar, espiar, mendigar, robar e inclusive a vivir una serie de aventuras que lo llevan desde las profundidades de las minas de plata hasta los más exquisitos salones de Sevilla y Ciudad de México, desde la mas absoluta miseria y esclavitud a la mayor opulencia palaciega.
Una novela muy interesante que nos da un paseo por la Nueva España colonial donde las costumbres, estilos de vida, razas, religion, sistema administrativo y demás detalles de la colonia están presentes en esta história-crónica, todo esto matizado con fragmentos de la literatura del Siglo de Oro español. Un libro idóneo para aquellos que disfrutan y gustan de la literatura de corte histórico.

This fine work of scholarship not only provides a history of the intrusions into the work of American schools, but it offers new insights as to why social problems and social changes have such an impact upon the school, which is treated as a microcosm of society. The book is very well written. It is an extraordinary book.

This history of the American school raises profound philosophical questions about American culture and the direction it is taking. The authors keenly perceive the relationship between social movements of the latter half of the 20th century.

This is a fine, well-balanced, and thought-provoking work. I recommend it to anyone interested in western culture!

This is an exellent book on pupil achievement. The book gives insight into factors influencing classroom learning and personal conduct. The book is currently out of print. However, it should be re-issued and be made required reading for all who participate in the education process.

This is an excellent book on pupil achievement. It gives insight into means to motivate students to better scholastic achievement and personal conduct. This item is currently out of print, however it should be re-issued and should be required reading for all who participate in the education process.

Rob Watson is probably the greatest mind in America. There is very little else I can say

With his sword, Macbeth hacks a passage through the enemy and unseams the traitor Macdonwald from the nave to the chops. He emerges from the battle like a man newborn (but into what?) and gets a new title: Thane of Cawdor. In *Coriolanus* Caius Martius runs through the gates ("gates" are a familiar Renaissance term for female genitalia) of Corioles, emerges very bloody and very triumphant and gets a new name: Coriolanus. Thus, goes Watson's provocative and compelling argument, both men cut themselves off from family names and through the violent action reminiscent of a self-inflicted C-section (remember Macbeth's hacking away at that fleshly passage) make themselves anew. Problems follow. Not merely because these men are ambitious, but because, as endless numbers of Elizabethan prodigal son tales point out (Watson has really done his research), you just can't get away from family. You're linked whether or not you like it, and, for that matter, whether or not you're a tragic hero or a college student who has to go home for Thanksgiving. Watson deals with other plays, but his treatment of these is most compelling and far more subtle than I can indicate here. This book won a prize when it came out: best book produced by Harvard University Press. The prize is well-deserved. Having read *Shakespeare and the Hazards of Ambition*, I have never been able to teach these plays in the same way again. This book almost lets the reader see too much -- it gives me the shivers. And it belongs on every serious scholar's shelf.

Here's the most frequently asked question whenever I show people my vacation photos: "Why aren't there any people in your pictures?" That's because I spend most of my time and film photographing interesting painted, tiled, or neon signs. Klaus Schmidt's gorgeous and quirky collection of signs from around the world in his colorful photos puts my snapshots to shame however (which, I suppose, is why he's a professional photographer with a book contract, and I'm not!)

Schmidt's beautiful full-color photographs of contemporary and historical signs take us around the world and through a history of cultures in their signage: street markers, pub signs, elaborate tombstones, gothic carvings, advertising placards, movie marquees, brilliant neon, and even common sights that aren't *completely* familiar (a McDonalds sign in Japanese). From famous (Checkpoint Charlie's "You are now leaving the American Sector") to the obscure (Morocco mailboxes) this is a quirky, entertaining, and beautifully designed collection, a wonderful book for photography fans, travel buffs, and anyone who is intrigued by the portrayal of culture through its most visible, yet often overlooked, public icons.

This book was a great way to learn about multiplicity signs around the world.Such as Germany, Japan, Puerto Rico, France and many others! Some signs that are shown are Weathered Road signs; the collage-like combinations of signs and posters on European kiosks; inscriptions on ancient gravestones; faded commercial signs painted on brick walls; and signage found on hotels, resturants, and theaters. The pictures were all very neat and well done and for anyone who has not looked at this GREAT book I suggest that you do right away!!!!

From his reassuring (you can do this!) introduction to his beautifully illustrated and explanations on the techniques of creating a watercolor painting you can be proud of, Dowden succeeds in writing a book that can actually teach a newbie how to paint with watercolors. Each section of the book is laid out the same: illustrations show what colors you will be using for a project, and what type of paper, brushes and other materials to use. Then Dowden gives a written description of what you are to do, step by step, followed by clear photographs of each step as it is done. Topics include needed materials, use of color, washes, and many different techniques like mottling and sponging to make paintings interesting. Dowden finishes the book with ten projects the new painter can do if s/he follows the steps illustrated and discussed. I am a new painter, took some lessons which weren't helpful, bought several books which intimidated me, and finally found the book that actually gave me the courage to stop reading and start painting!

I agree with the above review. This is a wonderfully written book filled with great photos and step-by-step directions to learn watercolor techniques. The 10 projects are beautiful and the directions are clear. The book is well-organized, and takes you step-by-step through the various techniques in watercolor. It's a beautiful book to learn watercolors from.

I carry a sketchbook with me at all times as I travel throughout the world. Since I discovered the Watson-Guptil sketchbook I have used it exclusively for all my travels. I just returned from a couple of weeks in the Cook Islands and my trusty sketchbook held up well. The hard cover protects the pages from smudging and this handy size is easy to carry and pack. It will even fit in the leg pockets of cargo pants and hiking shorts. The pages are acid-free and have just enough tooth to take a pencil. Highly recommended.

I agree that these are great journals and sketchbooks. For some reason Amazon does not list the number of pages in the various Watson-Guptill sketchbooks, even though it is printed on the sticker. So this version has 176 neutral pH, nonyellowing archival-quality pages.

Poets Paul Dresman, Sarai Austin and Peter Dragin in particular are amazingly good here. It's worth whatever price you might have to pay for it' this is a major collection of poets.

I highly recommend this book to all readers who love poetry. Ted Burke, Paul Dresman, and the other cast of poets included in this book share a talent for writing and yet maintain individual and unique voices.

SMALL SCALE QUILTMAKING takes the mystery and fear out of tiny piecing. The selection of fabric is so very important, showing that the strong contrasting fabrics have more character. Many projects to entice any quilter with information to make this tiny project a reality.

How can this author put so much into a book. She begins with easier piecing and takes the mystery out of putting tiny pieces together. She goes beyond this by showing the best value of color to make the quilt dance and sparkle. This is an amazing book, one that every quilter should have in their library. She solves problems, causes you to want to make tiny quilts in many many colors for every room in the house.