Set of Ancient Japanese Tales (from 2 books: The Tale of the Beautiful Otikubo, Notes at the Headboard)

The set includes 2 books, famous works of Japanese classical literature from the 10th to 13th centuries: the entertaining «The Tale of the Beautiful Otikubo», the plot of which is based on the fairy tale of a wicked stepmother and her unloved stepdaughter, and a collection of diary notes by the court lady Sei Shōnagon titled «Notes at the Headboard».

«Notes at the Headboard» is a masterpiece of classical Japanese literature, created about a thousand years ago and still holding its significance. This collection consists of diary notes, observations of everyday life, descriptions of nature, customs, and original psychological studies. The author of the notes is the court lady Sei Shōnagon, who keenly observes the beauty in nature, art, and life.

The plot of «The Tale of the Beautiful Otikubo» from the 10th century is based on the world-famous fairy tale of a wicked stepmother and her persecuted stepdaughter. The name Otikubo in Old Japanese translates to «small room», where the father's wife keeps the poor girl. The tale is richly saturated with details of everyday life, magical elements, and although the events are quite real, they still seem incredible, because, as in good fairy tales, good and justice always triumph here. The reader will receive true enjoyment from the bright and colorful atmosphere of the mysterious Land of the Rising Sun.