Kwaidan: Stories And Studies Of Strange Things

by Lafcadio Hearn

Overview

"Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things" is a captivating collection of supernatural tales and cultural observations written by Lafcadio Hearn. This book immerses readers in the mysterious and otherworldly realm of Japanese folklore, showcasing Hearn's fascination with the country's ghostly legends and customs. Within its pages, readers will encounter a wide array of eerie and enchanting stories. From vengeful spirits and haunted temples to encounters with mythical creatures and supernatural occurrences, Hearn masterfully weaves together elements of horror, mysticism, and Japanese aesthetics. Each tale is rich in atmospheric detail, evoking a sense of both beauty and unease. In addition to the supernatural tales, "Kwaidan" also offers insightful cultural studies, delving into the customs, traditions, and beliefs of Japan. Hearn's deep admiration for Japanese culture shines through as he explores topics such as the tea ceremony, folk beliefs, and the art of storytelling. The author's unique perspective and masterful storytelling transport readers to a realm where the boundaries between the living and the dead are blurred, leaving a lasting impression of both wonder and unease.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789353361846
Publisher:	Lector House
Publication date:	05/20/2019
Pages:	92
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.22(d)

About the Author

Greek-Japanese writer, translator, and educator Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, also known as Koizumi Yakumo (27 June 1850 - 26 September 1904) was responsible for introducing Japanese culture and literature to the West. His works, particularly his compilations of tales and ghost stories like Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, provided previously unheard-of insights into Japanese culture. He was a journalist in the US before relocating to Japan and obtaining Japanese citizenship, especially in Cincinnati and New Orleans. His New Orleans-related writings, which were inspired by his ten-year residence there, are likewise well-known. From there, he was assigned to serve as a reporter in the French West Indies for two years before being transferred to Japan, where he spent the remainder of his life. Hearn wed Setsuko Koizumi in Japan, and the two had four kids together. His publications on Japan gave the West more understanding of a culture that was at the time still foreign to it.