The Life and Zen Haiku Poetry of Santoka Taneda (Japan's Beloved Modern Haiku Poet)

Zen Wanderer: The Life and Haiku Poetry 

Discover the captivating life and timeless poetry of Santoka Taneda, a Zen monk and prolific haiku poet. This book delves into Santoka's fascinating story of his life, blending his eccentricities with over 300 of his original poems, essays, and journal entries. 

Despite his disheveled appearance and nomadic lifestyle, Santoka's dedication to poetry and Zen shines through. He wandered Japan's countryside, finding inspiration in nature and sake-fueled conversations. 

Renowned translator William Scott Wilson expertly captures Santoka's essence, providing sensitive renditions of his haiku and insightful commentary. With an introduction to Santoka's influences and an online audio recording of his haiku, this book offers a serene journey into the world of a truly modern poet.

About the Author:
Sumita Oyama (1899-1994) was born in Okayama Prefecture. He practiced haiku and Zen for over 60 years. He was a prolific writer, publishing many books on the haiku poet Santoka. Oyama was a good friend and benefactor of Santoka, and studied "free" haiku under the poet Ogiwara Seisensui.

William Scott Wilson has published over 20 books that have been translated into more than 20 languages. His first book, a translation of Hagakure, was featured in the film Ghost Dog by director Jim Jarmusch. He was awarded a Commendation from the Foreign Ministry of Japan in 2005 and inducted into the Order of the Rising sun by the Japanese Emperor in 2015. Wilson lives in Florida.

Book Features:

• Format:Hardcover
• Illustrations:over 300 haiku and b&w llustrations throughout
• Number of Pages: 352
• Free Online Recordings