New translation by Meredith McKinney enhances accessibility and understanding of the original text
Autobiographical diary of Lady Nijo offers unique perspectives on Japanese imperial history
spans Lady Nijo's life from court life to her eventual monastic生涯, providing a comprehensive narrative
Includes detailed historical context and scholarly notes for deeper appreciation
rediscovered text provides rare literary and historical insight
Summarized by Shop
A new translation of Lady Nijo’s diary—one of classical Japan’s greatest literary works
Lady Nijo’s A Tale Unasked (Towazugatari) is the last, and arguably the finest, among classical Japanese literature’s famous "women’s diaries." Thought to have been completed around 1307, when the author was in her late forties, the first two-thirds of
![Classics, Penguin PREORDER NONFICTION New Penguin Classics: Catalogue [2026]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0616/4001/6057/files/classics-penguin-penguin-classics-catalogue-2026-9780241810446-1225936370.jpg?v=1772837201&width=256)
