"A self-portrait devastating in its honesty...written passionately and without a thought to how readers might judge her actions."--Donald Keene Gossamer Years is a remarkably frank diary written by an unnamed noblewoman in Tenth-century Japan--the same period as Murasaki Shikibu's celebrated Tale of Genji. In her diary, the author describes her tempestuous and unhappy marriage and growing indignation at the many rival wives and mistresses taken by her husband, as was commonplace at the time. Too impetuous to play the role of a subsidiary wife, the author protests the marriage system in one of Japanese literature's earliest portrayals of the difficulties faced by women in a male-dominated society.
Skillfully translated by Edward Seidensticker, a preeminent scholar of Japanese literature, this book represents an extraordinary flowering of realistic expression in ancient Japan and an attempt, unique for its age, to treat the human condition with frankness and honesty.
A new introduction by Japanese literary scholar Dennis Washburn provides valuable insights into the author's world and examines the book's lasting importance. With dozens of beautiful images illustrating court life in the Heian period, Gossamer Years is a timeless and intimate glimpse into married life and social mores in traditional Japan.
An entertaining introduction to Japan's supernatural creatures!
Yokai come in every imaginable shape and form--ranging from frightening ghosts who haunt our dreams and cruel monsters that are deadly killers to cute fairies and mischievous enchanted animals who prank unwitting humans. They can be evil demons, harmless tricksters or prophets of impending doom, depending on their appearance and inclination. But all Yokai are fascinating, and this book profiles 100 of the most interesting ones.
The Yokai presented in this book include:
Tengu: A powerful Yokai with wings and a large nose who lives in mountains and forests Kappa: A deadly Yokai that lives near rivers and drags passersby into the water to drown Pero Taro: A grotesque Yokai that looks like blubbering child who hunts and eats greedy children Tantan Kororin: A strange spirit with the head of a persimmon that wanders among persimmon trees and is mostly harmless, but terrifying when stumbled upon Zashiki-warashi: A ghostly spirit that plays pranks on humans but can also bring good fortune Sunekosuri: An annoying Yokai resembling a cute dog that runs between people's legs, not meaning any harm but sometimes causes them to trip and fall Baku: A monstrous Yokai with an elephant's head, a bear's body, a rhino's eyes, an ox's tail and a tiger's legs that actually aids humans by devouring their nightmares And many more!
Yokai expert Masami Kinoshita has been documenting Yokai in folklore, and in real life, for many years. This book presents her most interesting findings. It has over 175 full-color illustrations that vividly depict the appearances of these weird creatures. No matter their origins, each Yokai has a strange and wonderful story that is sure to amaze you!
Passed down through generations, these classic tales are beautifully retold by Lafcadio Hearn and Yei Theodora Ozaki, two great interpreters of Japanese folk traditions. This volume features a deluxe hardcover binding and sixteen all new, full-color illustrations by contemporary Japanese yokai artist Sakyu. It will be treasured by fans of yokai and Japanese culture, as well as anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.
