u003cbu003eA beautiful translation of one of the most-loved classics of Japanese literature.u003c/bu003eu003cbru003e u003cbru003e Basho (1644-1694)--a great luminary of Asian literature who elevated the haiku to an art form of utter simplicity and intense spiritual beauty--is renowned in the West as the author of u003ciu003eNarrow Road to the Interioru003c/iu003e, a travel diary of linked prose and haiku recounting his journey through the far northern provinces of Japan. This edition features a masterful translation of this celebrated work. It also includes an insightful introduction by translator Sam Hamill detailing Basho's life and the art of haiku, three other important works by Basho--u003ciu003eTravelogue of Weather-Beaten Bonesu003c/iu003e, u003ciu003eThe Knapsack Notebooku003c/iu003e, and u003ciu003eSarashina Travelogueu003c/iu003e--and two hundred and fifty of his finest haiku, making this the most complete single-volume collection of Basho's writings.u003cbru003e u003cbru003e This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series. u003cbru003e u003cbru003e The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.