Tim Miller
LIBR 210-11 Holschuh-Simmons
Pathfinder
Haiku- From Japanese Traditional to Modern English Short Verse
Haiku is a poetic form that has origins in other Japanese verse and evolved from the 17th century haikai no renga linked verse collaborative poetry, only being named ‘haiku’in the 19th century- a term coined by the famous poet Shiki. The most famous and often-thought father of haiku, Matsuo Basho, popularized the hokku, or opening verse of the haikaino renga, as being a stand-alone poem worthy of being its own tradition. In Japanese, the hokku (and therefore the haiku) is a 17 ‘syllable’poem often broken into three lines of 5-7-5. In Japanese, each ‘syllable’is defined by one character- which is often defined the same as a syllable in English, but not necessarily so. However, modern English haiku often take on the 5-7-5 syllable form or simply employ a rule of limiting a verse to a set number of words. There are many variations of the modern English haiku, but all focus on the three main rules of traditional Japanese haiku: a kireji or cutting word that bridges two juxtaposing ideas, a kigo, or seasonal reference and the short form of roughly 17 syllables.
This pathfinder is intended to aid high school students in writing a five paragraph essay on the poetic form for their English course’s poetry assignment. The students are asked to give a short history of Japanese haiku and then a brief discussion of the differences with English haiku. They are also asked to include one haiku and discuss the three rules as they apply to the haiku they have chosen. Finally, the students are asked to write their own haiku and submit it to the library’s poet tree- a display on the wall near the library’s entrance of a paper tree on which patrons are asked to write short poems on paper leaves and flowers and tape them to the tree. This is not a huge assignment for the students but the instructor has given them the requirement that they include three sources other than internet or basic encyclopedic references and this is one of the first assignments many of these students have encountered with such a requirement. The Academy of the Redwoods is a high school that is located on the College of the Redwoods campus, a small community college in northern California. Students have access to the college’s library print resources as well as online databases and computer labs.
The bibliography thus needs to include sources that cover the history of haiku in both Japan and the English-speaking world, critical discussions of both forms of haiku (and the poetic precursors), and haiku anthologies for both forms. The college has a fair amount of print resources on Japanese poetry and haiku- including a book about Matsuo Basho that includes critical examinations of his poems. The college also has a small collection of modern English haiku, including an anthology as well as a short critical examination of haiku in English. However, the students also have access to the internet and since so many students are working on this project at once and there are limited print resources, there should be a wide array of online resources included in the pathfinder.
The sources included in the bibliography reflect the major works on haiku and include many of the foremost writers on haiku and English haiku. The online references include modern journals and publishers of haiku as well as less-established sources for translations and anthologies of haiku for that part of the assignment. Since the assignment requires references butdoes not specify primary sources or peer-reviewed journals, there is not much of an emphasis on the credibility of the sources, but the sources are all from established writers and publishers to ensure quality and accuracy of information. Sources should all contain examples of haiku and commentary from published writers.
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SOURCES CITED
Japanese Haiku
Print:
Basho, M. (1974).A haiku journey: Basho's The narrow road to the far north and selected haiku. (D. G. Britton & D. Stock, trans.). Tokyo; New York: Kodansha International. College of the Redwoods Library call number: Eureka Oversize PL794.4.O5 E52 1974.
Translation of Basho’s most famous travel diary with a brief introduction which provides a brief biography of Basho as well as a cursory examination of his style and how it evolved. It also discusses the issues involved with translating haiku into English as well as the similarities it shares with photography (the book is oversized and includes photographs with the text). This source was included because of the accessible translations of Basho's haibun (haiku coupled with prose). It is also Basho's most famous work and thus is a very relevant inclusion in a discussion of haiku. The beautiful photographs hopefully help bring to life the poems that not every high school student may appreciate.
Udea, M. (1982).Matsuo Basho. Tokyo; New York: Kodansha International. College of the Redwoods Library call number: Eureka General Collection PL794.4.Z5 U320 1982.
This book is a biography of Basho and includes a preface that discusses the haiku and its place in modern western literature. Chapter two focuses on his haiku and provides an examination of the evolution of his style through his life. Chapter 5 includes many of Basho's commentaries on poetry, most often of renku and other linked poems, the most popular form during his life. Finally, chapter 6 provides a critical examination of Basho's work by the author and provides insight into his influence on the genre. This work is included because of the great in-depth look it takes at the seminal haiku poet and because of the many examples of haiku and similar poems that are provided and commented on.
Hass, R., Matsuo, B., Yosa, B., & Kobayashi, I. (1994).The essential haiku: Versions of Bashō, Buson, and Issa. Hopewell, N.J.: Ecco Press.Humboldt County Public Library call number: Eureka Non-Fiction 895.6 ESSENTIAL.
This book takes an in-depth look at the three masters, including biographies and extensive notes of each haiku. Additionally includes two essays, one by Basho and the second by one of his students, which examine his philosophy of the meaning behind and contained within the haiku form. Robert Hass is a United States Poet Laureate and a professor at UC Berkeley and St. Mary’s College. This book was included because it is perhaps one of the best texts that examine the structure and meaning of Japanese haiku and contains several hundred examples of excellent translations with extensive explanatory notes.
(Note: the following is a four-part series, a general annotation for all four is given with the first and information for each specific volume is included with that title.)
Beilenson, P. (Ed.). (1955). Japanese haiku: two hundred twenty examples of seventeen-syllable poems / by Basho, Buson, Issa, Shiki, Sokan, Kikaku, Chiyo-ni, Joso, Yaha, Boncho, and others. Mount Vernon, N.Y. : Peter Pauper Press. Humboldt County Public Library call number: Eureka Non-Fiction 895.61 JAPANESE.
The first volume of the four-part series by Peter Pauper Press of Japanese haiku. Translations of haiku by the four masters (Basho, Issa, Buson and Shiki) as well as many others, arranged by season. Includes a lengthy introduction explaining the stylistic differences between Basho and Buson and describes the difficulties with translating haiku. This source was included because it is part of the four-part series that was popular in the late 50s and early 60s, helping to make haiku a more notable poetic form in the English-speaking world.
Beilenson, P. (Ed.). (1958). The Four seasons : Japanese haiku / written by Basho, Buson, Issa, Shiki and many others. Mt. Vernon, New York: Peter Pauper. Humboldt County Public Library call number: Eureka 895.61 FOUR.
Very brief introduction and commentary by the author, which includes a brief timeline of the four masters and explanations of the main components of haiku. Also includes woodblock illustrations. This source was included because it is part of the four-part series that was popular in the late 50s and early 60s, helping to make haiku a more notable poetic form in the English-speaking world.
Beilenson, P. (Ed.). (1960). Cherry Blossoms: Japanese Haiku Series III / Translations of poems by Basho, Buson, Issa, Shiki and others. Mt. Vernon, N.Y.: Peter Pauper Press. Humboldt County Public Library call number: Eureka Non-Fiction 895.61 CHERRY.
Includes a brief introduction explaining the significance of the cherry blossom and seasonal words as well as the Zen influence in haiku. This source was included because it is part of the four-part series that was popular in the late 50s and early 60s, helping to make haiku a more notable poetic form in the English-speaking world.
Beilenson, P. (Ed.). (1962). Haiku Harvest; Japanese Haiku series IV. Mt. Vernon, New York: Peter Pauper. College of the Redwoods Library call number: Eureka General Collection PL782.E3 H3.
Very brief introduction and commentary by the co-author, Harry Behn, which includes a discussion of the nuances of translations as well as a commentary on Beilenson’s translations. Includes woodblock illustrations. This source was included because it is part of the four-part series that was popular in the late 50s and early 60s, helping to make haiku a more notable poetic form in the English-speaking world.
Sato, H. (1983). One hundred frogs: from renga to haiku to English. New York: Weatherhill. Humboldt County Public Library call number: Eureka Non-Fiction 895.61 SATO.
An in-depth look at renga and the history of its evolution into the haiku form with an emphasis on the work of Basho. Sato, one time president of the Haiku Society of America, is an accomplished and award-winning translator of Japanese poetry as well as a poet himself. This book includes an informative glossary of Japanese poetic terms as well as a chapter of English haiku. Especially interesting is a passage including 100 different translations of Basho's most famous 'Old pond' haiku. This source was included because of its extensive examination of the poetic form that gave rise to haiku as well as the accompanying material that helps to explain and describe the nuances of haiku. However, the bulk of text is fairly academic and will not necessarily be suitable for all high-school level readers.
Online:
History of Haiku, by RyuYotsuya -
A listing of 10 of the most famous Japanese haiku poets with short bios and translations of some haiku. Yotsuya is a published poet as well as critic of haiku in English, Japanese and French. The website is a nice introduction to the major figures in traditional haiku and include several examples of their poems. This source is a nice starting point for students learning about traditional haiku.
Haiku International Association -
“The Haiku International Association was established in December 1989 in order to respond to haiku's worldwide popularity and to promote friendship and exchanges with haiku lovers overseas.” The website includes selected haiku and translations.
Matsuo Bashô: Frog Haiku: (Thirty-one Translations and One Commentary) -
Translations of Basho’s most famous haiku with accompanying commentary from Robert Aitken’sA Zen Wave: Bashô’s Haiku and Zen (revised ed., Shoemaker & Hoard, 2003). This was included because it is an excellent essay by one of the major western commentators on traditional Japanese haiku. It contains and compares multiple translations of Basho’s most famous poem.
Haiku in English
Print:
Henderson, H. G. (1967). Haiku in English. Rutland, VT: C. E. Tuttle Co. College of the Redwoods Library call number: Eureka General Collection PE1521.H3 H4 1967. Humboldt County Public Library call number: Eureka Non-Fiction 808.1 HENDERSON.
This essay discusses “the problems involved in writing haiku in English”and includes an in-depth explanation of the rules or characteristics of Japanese haiku. The main topics are what haiku are and should be when written in English and how a writer can learn to write or teach the writing of haiku. Includes translations and commentary on traditional Japanese haiku as well as examples and commentary of English haiku. This source was included because it fits all of the criteria (contains examples of Japanese and English haiku and commentary of both styles, and is written by a leading haiku scholar) and is succinct and written in accessible language for high-schoolers. Harold G. Henderson is also a major writer of haiku and haiku commentary. He was a co-founder of the Haiku Society of America.
Van Den Heuvel, C. (1986). The Haiku Anthology: haiku and senryu in English (2nd ed.). New York: Simon and Schuster. College of the Redwoods Library call number: Eureka General Collection PL794.4.O5 E52 1974. Humboldt County Public Library call number: Eureka Non-Fiction 811 HAIKU.
This second edition contains 700 examples of haiku, senryu and similar poems written by contemporary English poets. The introduction includes basic information about how English haiku are arranged as well as the trends in subject matter at the time of printing. Also in the introduction is an examination of the writers included in the anthology who have employed the different forms of haiku (e.g. Jack Kerouac's use of haibun in his memoirs Desolation Angels and Dharma Bums). Cor Van Den Heuvel is an award-winning haiku writer and has published five haiku anthologies (see also Baseball Haiku in this bibliography).
Ross, B. (1993). Haiku Moment: an anthology of contemporary North American haiku. Rutland, VT: C. E. Tuttle Co. Humboldt County Public Library call number: 811 HAIKU.
This book contains over 800 haiku by modern English-speaking poets. The introduction includes a discussion of the traditional Japanese form as well as brief biographies of the four masters. It goes on to discuss many of the more influential English-language poets and their styles- describing the different generations and styles that have evolved.
Van Den Heuvel, C. and Tamura, N. (2007).Baseball haiku: American and Japanese haiku and senryu on baseball / Edited with translations. New York: W. W. Norton & Co. Humboldt County Public Library call number: Eureka Non-Fiction 811.041 BASEBALL.
This volume includes over 200 modern haiku written on the theme of baseball- some written in English and others translated from the Japanese. Includes a discussion of the haiku form and the basic rules, as well as a discussion of senryu and how the two are related. The introduction also discusses the history of baseball haiku, beginning with the fourth master, Shiki in the late 19th century and leading up to contemporary poets both in Japan and in the English-speaking world. As mentioned earlier, Van Den Heuvel is a leading haiku writer and anthologist. This source was included not only because of its relevant discussion of the haiku form and the myriad examples of haiku and senryu (including some in the more traditional form) but because the theme presents a different facet of the poetic form that may attract those individuals not necessarily interested poetry.
Hackett, J. (1969). The way of haiku; an anthology of haiku poems.Poetry and photos. Tokyo: Japan Publications. Humboldt County Public Library call number: Eureka Non-Fiction 811.54 HACKETT.
This book contains the several hundred haiku that were included in Hackett's four-volume set, Haiku Poetry. It ends with the succinct and basic "Suggestions for writing haiku in English" which again discuss more of the esoteric qualities of haiku than do the other anthologies. This source was included because it contains so many wonderful examples of modern English haiku and because it is a comprehensive example of the author's style. Hackett was one of the earlier American poets to utilize the haiku form and his work is admired by many of the foremost writers involved in American Haiku, including Jack Kerouac, Alan Watts, Thomas Merton and Harold G. Henderson.
Online:
(Note: there are many online haiku publications, for the purposes of this pathfinder only those that have been established and are widely recognized or are associated with established organizations were included.)
A Guide to Haiku Publications, 2008 -
A supplement from the Haiku Society of America listing the major publications in the U. S. including contact and ordering info. This is a nice resource for finding the names of online journals for the portion of the assignment where the student needs to examine a poem. The Haiku Society of America is the leading haiku organization in the U. S.
Haiku Society of America -
Not-for-profit organization started by Harold G. Henderson and Leroy Kanterman“to promote the writing and appreciation of haiku poetry in English.” The HSA monthly newsletter includes bios of writers, interviews, and commentary on haiku. Contest-winning haiku are also available online, some with brief commentary. The HSA is the leading haiku society in the U. S. and this site is a must for anyone interested in modern English haiku.
Frogpond, the journal of the Haiku Society of America -
Frogpond is the publication of the Haiku Society of America, published three times per year. Issues are available online in sampler versions as well as some pdf full versions. The magazine includes haiku as well as commentary on poems and writers and book reviews of haiku anthologies. This journal is included because of the ease of online access to great analyses of the poetic form. Also, the contributing writers are among the foremost haiku poets and critics.