An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

Sei Shōnagon

1 book referenced

Books by Sei Shōnagon

The Pillow Book

Referenced in 3 episodes

561. The Golden Age of Japan: Secrets of the Imperial Court (Part 2)

April 30, 2025

Context:

Discussed extensively as one of the most famous passages in Japanese literature, a masterpiece written in the early 11th century. The hosts read from it and analyze its contents throughout the episode.

560. The Golden Age of Japan: Lady Murasaki and the Shining Prince (Part 1)

April 27, 2025

Context:

Mentioned at the end as the subject of the next episode, written by another woman at the Heian court who Murasaki hated, described as 'one of the wittiest, most elegant, most brilliant women who's ever lived'

277: Japan: Samurai and Shoguns

December 09, 2022

Context:

Referenced as an example of the tradition of aristocratic women writing diaries and miscellanies at court, mentioned in connection with a film starring Ewan McGregor