Sei Shōnagon
Meredith McKinney · 2006
Meredith McKinney's 2006 Penguin translation is the one I'd start with — complete, and written in lively, sometimes colloquial English that lets you actually hear Sei Shōnagon's quick, opinionated voice instead of muffling her in archaic prose. This is where I'd start.
Ivan Morris · 1967
Ivan Morris's 1967 translation was the standard for decades and is still loved — elegant, with rich notes on Heian court life. The catch: it's a freer rendering and quietly drops some of the famous lists. A beautiful classic, slightly less complete.
Arthur Waley · 1928
Arthur Waley's 1928 version — now public domain and free — is a selection rather than the whole, in his characteristically graceful English. Free and lovely, but partial; for the complete Pillow Book, go to McKinney.
Which Edition earns a small commission from purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you — it never changes our picks.