Dorothy Britton Volgorde van de boeken (chronologisch)

This is the story of a Japanese princess, the first autobiography by a member of the Japanese Imperial Family published in English. Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, was born in Walton-on-Thames, England, in 1909. She was educated at the Peeresses' School for Girls in Tokyo and the Friends School in Washington before marrying Prince Chichibu, the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito and next in line for the throne. Despite her distinguished noble lineage from the Matsudaira family, she was considered a commoner since her father had renounced his title, necessitating her 'adoption' into the Imperial Family. Their marriage took place in September 1928, and she lived until the age of 85, passing away in August 1995, long after the Prince’s premature death from tuberculosis. Her life unfolds like a remarkable 'fairy' tale, albeit in a challenging era. While much could be elaborated upon, much remains unspoken, with layers of meaning 'between the lines.' Both the Prince, who studied in London and Oxford, and the Princess had strong ties to England and the United States. Their experience during World War II was particularly harrowing, as they faced the conflict between their mother country and their adopted nations. In the post-war years, the Princess traveled extensively in Europe to rekindle old friendships and was deeply loved and admired. They had no children.

In later life Basho turned to Zen Buddhism, and the travel sketched in this volume relfect his attempts to cast off earthly attachments and reach out to spiritual fulfillment. The sketches are written in the "haibun" style--a linking of verse and prose. The title piece, in particular, reveals Basho striving to discover a vision of eternity in the transient world around him and his personal evocation of the mysteries of the universe.