Burton Watson begins with an excellent review of the haiku and its modern history, then goes on to Taneda Santoka himself, his poetry and his life. By the time the translations arrive, we feel thoroughly at home. A valuable introduction to a major haiku poet, this is a book that will appeal to anyone interested in haiku, both for study and pure pleasure.

— Janine Beichman, Daito Bunka University

Watson's translations are marvels of economy and directness, as are many of the original poems, and the biographic portion of the introduction is particularly satisfying in its sympathetic presentation of a whole, complex, likeable, and occasionally irritating man.

— Amy Heinrich, director, C. V. Starr East Asian Library, Columbia University