Letters From the Raven

by Lafcadio Hearn, Milton Bronner

Overview

Explore the intricate mind of Lafcadio Hearn through "Letters from The Raven: Correspondence of L. Hearn with Henry Watkin." This collection offers a unique glimpse into Hearn's thoughts and observations, revealing his profound engagement with Japanese culture.

Compiled from meticulously preserved historical records, this volume presents a fascinating exchange between Hearn and his close confidant, Henry Watkin. The literary letters chronicle Hearn's personal journey and intellectual development, showcasing his deep understanding and appreciation for the nuances of Japanese society and history.

A valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, "Letters from The Raven" provides invaluable insights into the life and work of one of the most influential interpreters of Japan to the Western world. Discover the personal side of Lafcadio Hearn through this carefully curated correspondence.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781023475013
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/29/2025
Pages:	82
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.17(d)

Read an Excerpt

HEREWITH are presented letters that were the outgrowth of a friendship that probably meant a great deal to Lafcadio Hearn at the time. In speaking of them, one inevitably thinks of Prosper Merimee's " Lettres a une in- connue." The later missives, too, must for years to come remain "letters to an unknown,"unknown to all save a few persons. It was only recently that the natural course of events made it at all possible to include them in this collection. Even now the ban of silence is placed on many things we would like to know. The letters were written during the memorable year 1876, marked by exciting political conventions and an even more exciting national election, and finally by the great Centennial Exposition. At this time Hearn was in his twenty-sixth year. He had been in the United States for nearly six years, and was at the time employed as a reporter on Mr. Murat Halstead's Cincinnati Commercial. Although he did not like this country and was at this time dreaming of returning some day to Europe, he had been trying for years to make a thoroughly competent newspaper reporter of himself. However, we gather from remarks in his letters that he was still regarded as only a minor member of the staff. Among men his chief friend remained Mr. Watkin. If he had any friends among young women, he has left no record of them. He seems to have been more or less solitary always. He is constantly telling of his constraint in social gatherings, of his inability to appear otherwise than cold to those around him. Life was indeed to him always a curious carnival, in which one must be careful to keep on the mask, to guard the tongue lest one say something redounding to one's injury or discredit.With such characteristics, we are therefore at a loss to learn how his intimacy with the un...