Ornella Civardi – författare

"Kabuki is action-packed, scenically thrilling and histrionically flamboyant" —The GuardianThis beautiful book celebrates the Japanese kabuki tradition—presenting fifteen classic tales of tragic love and fatal passion that are frequently performed on the kabuki stage in Japan. These dramatic tales are stunningly illustrated with full-color woodblock prints by master artists including Hiroshige, Hokusai, Utamaro, Kuniyoshi and Kunisada, along with photographs of modern kabuki performances.The tales in this book include:The Love Suicides at Amijima: Jihei, a married merchant and Koharu, a prostitute, fall deeply in love. Jihei cannot afford to buy her out, so the only solution is for them to commit double suicideThe Tale of Genji: A stage version of Japan's classic Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, which follows the romantic exploits of Genji, the son of Emperor KiritsuboThe Magical Helmet: Princess Yaegaki mourns for her dead husband Katsuyori but one day she notices a new samurai in the household who looks just like him. It is indeed Katsuyori, who has adopted a disguise to prevent himself being killed. Now Yaegaki must struggle to save him!Plus 12 other stories!The translations are by Ornella Civardi, a noted scholar of Japanese literature, who also provides an fascinating introduction to the popular kabuki theater tradition in Japan. The book will be treasured by kabuki aficionados as well anyone with an interest in the theater or Japanese literature.

Savour the changing seasons with this beautifully illustrated collection of classic haiku.Perhaps no poetic form evokes nature so effectively as the haiku. Made up of just 17 syllables, it conveys an impression with almost the same immediacy as our own senses—it can be as ephemeral as a breath and as powerful as lightning.This delightful volume presents some 140 haiku by masters of every period—including Basho, Buson, Issa, and Shiki—arranged according to the kigo (or word linked to a particular season) that each haiku traditionally contains. Each poem is presented three ways, for the fullest possible enjoyment: in its original Japanese characters, in Japanese transliterated to Latin characters, and in an English translation. Original artwork by the contemporary Japanese illustrator Kaori Yamaguchi adorns this contemplative journey from the first buds of spring to the falling snow of winter.Bound in the traditional Japanese style and housed in a handsome slipcase, Haiku: Japanese Poems for the Four Seasons will be the perfect gift for anyone who loves poetry, Japanese culture, or the natural world.Text in English and Japanese.

Discover Japan in 100 Words!This book captures the essence of Japanese life and culture through 100 carefully selected words. From familiar concepts like zen, kawaii, and anime to lesser-known gems, "Japan in 100 Words" covers it all.What You'll Learn About:Chochin: Decorative lanterns seen everywhere from shrines and temples to izakayaFugu: The delicacy of carefully prepared (and poisonous) blowfishJ-pop: The now globally popular musical genreKaroshi: Literally translated as "overwork death"Omiai: The Japanese version of an arranged marriageAnd much more!Beautiful full-color illustrations bring these ideas, places, and objects to life. Whether you're a seasoned Japanophile or a first-time visitor, this book is a perfect addition to your library and a fun, informative guide to Japanese culture.

As its title suggests, this book captures the essence of Japanese life and culture in 100 words. From well-known concepts like zen, kawaii and anime to their lesser-known counterparts waiting to be discovered by the West, Japan in 100 Words covers it all.Readers will learn more about:Chochin—decorative lanterns seen everywhere from shrines and temples to izakayaFugu—the very carefully prepared delicacy of poisonous blowfishJ-pop—the now widely popular musical genreKaroshi—literally translated as "overwork death"Omiai—the Japanese version of an arranged marriageAnd much more!The beautiful full-color illustrations bring these ideas, places and objects to life—making it the perfect addition to any Japanophiles library or a fun and useful introductory guide for a first-time visitor to Japan.