Poetry is one of the richest forms of literary expression, and Asian Poetry stands out as a profound reflection of cultural and philosophical depth. From ancient Chinese verses to modern Japanese haikus, these poetic works offer insights into life, nature, and spirituality. In this article, we will rank the Top 10 Best Books in Asian Poetry that are essential reads for anyone looking to immerse themselves in this captivating genre.
Author: Haruto Takahashi
Haruto Takahashi is a Japanese writer and poet who has been curating and promoting Asian literature for over two decades. His passion lies in bridging cultural gaps through literature.
The Top 10 Best Asian Poetry Books
10. Call Me By My True Names: The Collected Poems of Thich Nhat Hanh
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh
Rating: 
(4.7 out of 5 stars, 187 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen Buddhist monk, blends mindfulness and poetry in Call Me By My True Names, creating a collection that reflects peace and inner truth. His poems touch upon universal themes like compassion and interconnectedness, making them accessible to readers from all walks of life.
Why You’ll Love It: Hanh’s poetry offers tranquility and wisdom, perfect for anyone seeking spiritual reflection.
Fun Fact: Thich Nhat Hanh has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his peace-building efforts around the world.
Get Call Me By My True Names here!
9. The Way of Chuang Tzu (Second Edition)
Author: Thomas Merton
Rating: (4.6 out of 5 stars, 758 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
Thomas Merton’s The Way of Chuang Tzu offers a modern interpretation of the ancient Chinese philosopher’s work. Through this poetic rendering, Merton provides readers with timeless spiritual teachings grounded in Taoist wisdom.
Why You’ll Love It: Merton’s elegant translation makes this a must-read for anyone exploring Taoism and its poetic expressions.
Fun Fact: Chuang Tzu is considered one of the founders of Taoism, and his work remains a cornerstone of Chinese philosophical literature.
Buy The Way of Chuang Tzu here!
8. The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches (Penguin Classics)
Author: Matsuo Basho
Rating: (4.6 out of 5 stars, 516 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
Matsuo Basho is Japan’s most famous haiku poet, and his travel sketches in The Narrow Road to the Deep North combine minimalist beauty with profound observations about nature. This collection is a beautiful blend of poetry and travelogue.
Why You’ll Love It: Basho’s evocative imagery transports readers to Japan’s scenic landscapes, making this an immersive poetic experience.
Fun Fact: Basho’s haikus are taught in schools across Japan, and his influence on Japanese poetry is unrivaled.
Order The Narrow Road to the Deep North here!
7. Basho: The Complete Haiku of Matsuo Basho (Collector’s Edition)
Author: Basho
Rating: (4.4 out of 5 stars, 41 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
Basho: The Complete Haiku brings together Matsuo Basho’s complete works in a beautifully crafted collector’s edition. These haikus are a testament to Basho’s genius in capturing the essence of nature and fleeting moments of beauty.
Why You’ll Love It: This complete edition is a treasure trove for haiku lovers and those interested in classic Japanese poetry.
Fun Fact: Basho wrote over 1,000 haikus in his lifetime, many of which remain popular today.
Grab Basho: The Complete Haiku here!
6. The Penguin Anthology of Twentieth-Century American Poetry
Author: Rita Dove
Rating: (4.6 out of 5 stars, 311 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
Curated by Pulitzer Prize winner Rita Dove, The Penguin Anthology showcases some of the most significant poetic voices from the 20th century. While focused on American poetry, the collection highlights the influence of Asian poetry on modern poets.
Why You’ll Love It: This anthology is perfect for understanding how Asian poetic traditions have influenced American poetry.
Fun Fact: Rita Dove is the second African American poet to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
Purchase The Penguin Anthology here!
5. The Art of War
Author: Sun Tzu
Rating: (4.7 out of 5 stars, 2,702 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
While primarily a military treatise, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is filled with poetic wisdom that has been applied to various disciplines. The text uses vivid imagery and concise language, which resonates deeply with readers of Asian Poetry.
Why You’ll Love It: Sun Tzu’s poetic style offers strategic insights that go beyond the battlefield, making this a timeless read.
Fun Fact: The Art of War is one of the most widely translated works of literature and is studied in military academies around the world.
4. Classical Chinese Poetry: An Anthology
Author: David Hinton
Rating: (4.7 out of 5 stars, 125 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
David Hinton’s Classical Chinese Poetry provides an unparalleled introduction to China’s most influential poets. The anthology features translations of great poets like Li Bai and Du Fu, giving readers access to some of the finest works in Asian Poetry.
Why You’ll Love It: This collection is essential for anyone seeking to understand the elegance and complexity of Chinese poetry.
Fun Fact: David Hinton has received multiple awards for his translations, including the prestigious PEN Award for Poetry in Translation.
Order Classical Chinese Poetry here!
3. Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death
Author: Yoel Hoffmann
Rating: (4.7 out of 5 stars, 637 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
In Japanese Death Poems, Yoel Hoffmann curates a collection of poignant haikus written by Zen monks and poets in their final moments. This haunting and reflective anthology offers a glimpse into the Zen Buddhist approach to death.
Why You’ll Love It: This collection is both spiritual and philosophical, offering meditations on life and death.
Fun Fact: In Zen tradition, death poems are a way to express one’s final thoughts and acceptance of mortality.
Get Japanese Death Poems here!
2. Ikigai, Kaizen and Hansei – The Triad of Timeless Japanese Secrets
Author: Makoto Saito
Rating: (4.7 out of 5 stars, 148 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
Makoto Saito’s Ikigai, Kaizen and Hansei uncovers the secrets to leading a balanced, meaningful life through Japanese philosophy. This book combines the power of poetic reflection with practical advice, rooted in Asian Poetry traditions.
Why You’ll Love It: This book offers a comprehensive guide to inner peace, combining ancient wisdom with modern self-improvement techniques.
Fun Fact: The concept of “Ikigai” refers to finding joy and purpose in life, and it has inspired countless people globally.
Purchase Ikigai, Kaizen and Hansei here!
1. The Four Chinese Classics: Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu, Analects, Mencius
Author: David Hinton
Rating: (4.7 out of 5 stars, 199 ratings)
Category: Asian Poetry
David Hinton’s The Four Chinese Classics is the ultimate guide to the foundational texts of Asian Poetry. These works—Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu, Analects, and Mencius—form the core of Chinese philosophical thought, offering readers both wisdom and beauty through poetic language.
Why You’ll Love It: This anthology provides a rich introduction to Chinese thought, offering insights that are relevant even today.
Fun Fact: The Tao Te Ching is one of the most translated works in world literature, second only to the Bible.
Buy The Four Chinese Classics here!
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