Tales of Ise (Penguin Books)

One of the three seminal works of Japanese literature, a beautiful collection of poems and tales that offers an unparalleled insight into ancient Japan§§Along with the Tale of Genji and One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each, the Tales of Ise may be considered one of the three most important works of Japanese literature. A poem-tale collection from the early Heian period, the narrative is loosely composed around a series of stories spanning the period from a man's youth to his death, and offers deep insight into the world of courtly love in ancient Japan.