Dawn to the West

Rating:
Summary: All you need to know, right here
Review: I bought this book to supplement a course I was taking on Japanese literature, and it was one of the few "optional" texts I ever actually read. Donald Keene is the first person to look to if you are interested in Japanese literature. Not only does he know the literaure inside and out, he puts everything in a context of history and culture that makes you appreciate the actual works even more. This book is comprehensive, well thought out, and very accessible.