Japan in the 10th century stood physically and culturally isolated from the rest of the world. Inside this cultural bubble, a subtle and beautiful world was in operation, and its inhabitants were delicately tied to the moment, having no interest in the future and disdain for the past. In a small diary, a young courtesan of the Heian period gives her account of the Japanese courts of the day, providing perspective on a unique time in Japanese history. Sei Shonagon was a contemporary of the author of The Tale of Genji, Murasaki Shikibu, so her perspective brings an added dimension to the Murasaki's timeless snd seminal work. It was in this small diary that Sei Shonagon kept notes on the intrigues, foibles, and habits of Japan's 10th century court life. Waley's elegant translation reflects Sei Shonagon's girlish temperamnet and her quirky personality traits. In a place and time where poetry was as important as knowledge, and beauty was highly revered, Sei Shonagon's private writings gives the reader a charming and intimate glimpse into a time of isolated innocence and pale beauty.

Arthur Waley (1889-1966) taught himself Chinese and Japanese after being appointed Assistant Keeper of Oriental Prints and Manuscripts at the British Museum. He was one of the most respected translators of Asian classics into English of his time, with his translated works including The Tale of Genji, Monkey (The Journey to the West) , The Noh Plays of Japan and The Analects of Confucius.