One of the three seminal works of Japanese literature, this beautiful collection of poems and tales 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 as one of the three most important works of Japanese literature. A poem-tale collection from the early Heian period, the thread of the narrative is loosely composed around a series of stories spanning the period from a man's youth to his death, and offers deep insights into the world of courtly love in ancient Japan.