The Narrow Inland Road (1702 facsimile edition)
by Matsuo Bashō and Philip Guest
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Pub Date 15 Apr 2025 | Archive Date 15 Aug 2025
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Description
“When we disembark at Senju, my heart is heavy, overwhelmed by the thought of the three thousand leagues before me; I see a vision of crossroads and weep tears of farewell.”
In the spring of 1689, the poet Bashō and his disciple Sora bid a final farewell to their gathered friends before setting out from Senju on roads unknown. They were to journey inland to the wilds of northern Japan, to famed places of worship and legend, spreading poetry along the way—a grand pilgrimage, both spiritual and literary, but for Bashō there was little distinction: the way of poetry, of Zen, even of life, had fundamentally become one unified path.
The account of the journey would become a cultural touchstone and change the course of Japanese poetry. Bashō’s haiku captured the transience of life: in a handful of words, we see the changing of the seasons, the play of light on a leaf, or the faces of those who have come and gone below. Not only did The Narrow Inland Road inspire a raft of Zen writing, but its deft mix of prose and poetry ushered in the new literary form of haibun—a genre that’s since appeared in the West in the writings of Kenneth Rexroth, Ocean Vuong, and other celebrated Anglosphere poets.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"Philip Guest's translation of Matsuo Bashō's "The Narrow Inland Road" captures the essence of one of Japan's most celebrated literary masterpieces with remarkable clarity and respect for the original text. This edition thoughtfully presents Bashō's 1689 pilgrimage through northern Japan as a physical and spiritual journey, preserving the delicate balance between prose and haiku that defines the haibun form.
Guest's introduction contextualizes Bashō's work within Japanese literary tradition while his translation maintains the poet's distinctive voice, concise yet profound, observant yet reflective. The translator's decision to keep Bashō's original syntax creates an immersive reading experience, allowing modern readers to feel the rhythm of the journey.
Most moving is Bashō's meditation at the ruins of Hiraizumi: "Summer grasses -- the soldiers but traces of dreams." This single line encapsulates the work's central theme of impermanence with devastating simplicity.
Perfect for poetry enthusiasts, students of Japanese literature, or anyone seeking contemplative wisdom, this translation deserves attention for making a 17th-century masterpiece feel startlingly immediate and relevant."
-- Rgb2 (Amazon.com)
"The Narrow Inland Road is more than a travel diary—it's a profound meditation on impermanence, beauty, and the poetic path through life. Matsuo Bashō’s words feel as alive today as they must have in 1689, and this faithful facsimile edition brings that timelessness into sharp focus.
Philip Guest’s translation is a triumph of clarity, simplicity, and reverence. He stays true to Bashō’s direct, unadorned voice, letting the quiet power of the original text speak for itself. The decision to present the translation in present tense and epistolary form makes the journey feel intimate and immediate, as though we're walking alongside Bashō and Sora through forests, temples, and fleeting encounters.
The inclusion of the 1702 facsimile is a treasure for literary lovers and scholars alike—offering a rare glimpse into the historical artifact itself. The annotations and map add even more value, enriching the reader's understanding without overshadowing the meditative flow of the text.
This book is perfect for readers drawn to Zen, haiku, poetic travel, and Japanese literature. Whether you're discovering Bashō for the first time or returning to his work with fresh eyes, this edition is a masterful and respectful companion on the inward and outward path.
A quiet masterpiece—essential reading for the poetic soul."
-- Tatiana (Amazon.it)
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798319052421 |
| PRICE | US$2.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 242 |
