One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each

A prize-winning translation of the most widely known and popular collection of Japanese poetry

Hyakunin Isshu is the most famous and popular collection of Japanese poetry, and the first work of Japanese literature ever to be translated into English. Compiled in the fourteenth century, the book is a collection of one hundred waka poems (a precursor of haiku), dating back to the seventh century. It’s had a huge influence on Japanese culture ever since it was first published and is considered one of the three most important works of Japanese classical literature along with The Tale of Genji and Tales of Ise.

“For more than seven centuries, these poems have resonated with countless readers … [Peter
MacMillan’s] excellent new translation of these poems makes clear why they have mattered
so much for so long … [revealing] the vivid emotions that have kept the heart of the
collection beating all this time.” —TIME

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,800 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.