A new translation of one of the most important literary works of classical Japan.

"From the desire not to let this impulse go uncounted, I have written this silly fairy tale. I do not hope that future generations will remember me."

The Japanese aristocrat Lady Nijo became the lover of the Emperor at the age of fourteen and, after several secret relationships, was exiled from the palace. She became a nun and traveled to the country on a pilgrimage.

The "Unrequested Narrative" is her extraordinary memoir of a adventurous life, lost for centuries and rediscovered in the Imperial Library. Filled with astonishing revelations about court intrigues, glory, and sexual politics of court life, it is also a moving portrait of a woman with rich intelligence and sensitivity trying to survive in a challenging world. This new translation beautifully captures the flowing elegance of a remarkable work of classical Japanese literature.

Translation: Meredith McKinney

Pages: 288, Year of Publication: 0324, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9 cm.