Reginald Horace Blyth (1898-1964) was a prime mover in the popularization of haiku and Zen philosophy in western culture. Born in England, Blyth spent most of his working life in Japan, where he acted as a professor of English and foreign liaison, and became a great admirer of Japanese poetry. Long considered by haiku enthusiasts an essential resource for English-speaking readers, Blyth's four-volume haiku anthology is a testament to his love and deep understanding of this singular art form. Presenting the best work of Japan's haiku masters alongside his own lucid commentary, Blyth's volumes communicate the true meaning and spirit of haiku in a way rarely accessible to western readers.
The concluding volume of Blyth's anthology,
Haiku
Vol. IV (Autumn and Winter) contains a wide sampling of haiku particularly attuned to these two seasons. With subjects ranging from winter animals and landscape to the looming presence of sickness and death, this volume contains some of the most touching and profound examples of Zen and haiku.