Written by a lady of the court at the height of Heian culture, this book enthralls with its lively gossip, witty observations, and subtle impressions. Lady Shonagon was an erstwhile rival of Lady Murasaki, whose novel, "The Tale of Genji," fictionalized the elite world Lady Shonagon so eloquently relates. Featuring reflections on royal and religious ceremonies, nature, conversation, poetry, and many other subjects, "The Pillow Book" is an intimate look at the experiences and outlook of the Heian upper class, further enriched by Ivan Morris's extensive notes and critical contextualization.

    Consisting of eleven thousand poetic lines arranged in 95 chapters, the book is an appeal to God by a mortal asking for forgiveness for his sins. St. Grigor Narekatsi thus assumes upon himself all the sins committed by mankind. There is hardly another text enumerating the human sins in more detail. Throughout the centuries, this book has been revered as sanctity.