Qui (Japanese, Vassar College) explains how Japanese poets adapted the Chinese Daoist classics, particularly the Zhuangzi during the 17th century, a movement that contributed to the transformation of haikai , the comic linked verse that gave birth to the modern haiku , from an entertaining pastime to a serious art. Central to her story is the poetry of Basho Matsuo (1644-94). Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)