The Confessions of Lady Nijō

Japan --Court and courtiers.

Translation of Towazugatari by Nakanoin Masatada no Musume. One of the oldest books in print by a woman, The Confessions of Lady Nijō is a memoir written by a high-spirited Japanese Imperial court concubine, covering the years 1271 to 1306. She tells many anecdotes about life at court and describes the love affairs she had with two men other than the Retired Emperor. The page shown describes the night Retired Emperor GoFukakusa forcefully consummated his marriage to the young Lady Nijō (pages 8-9).

Brazell, Karen. Translator.

Stanford University Press (Stanford, Calif.)

1976