The Pillow Book

The Pillow Book is a book of observations and musings recorded by Sei Shōnagon during her time as court lady to Empress Sadako during the 990s and early 1000s in Heian Japan. The book was completed in the year 1002.

In it she included lists of all kinds, personal thoughts, interesting events in court, poetry and some opinions on her contemporaries.

While it is mostly a personal work, Shōnagon's writing and poetic skill makes it interesting as a work of literature, and it is valuable as an historical document.
Part of it was revealed to the Court by accident during Shōnagon's life.

The book has been translated into English by Ivan Morris in 1967 and in 2006 by Meredith McKinney.