Beichman's (Japanese literature, Daito Bunka U., Japan) scholarly and sensitive study succeeds in conveying the remarkable Yosano Akiko and the poetry she produced. Three-quarters of the book portray Akiko's youth up to age 22, the remainder is devoted to her most famous book of poems, Tangled Hair . The letters and documents on which Akiko's biography is based are quoted, as are her poems, which are translated into English, with romanized Japanese below. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)