Exotics and Retrospectives

Lafcadio Hearn

2021年8月 · Otbebookpublishing

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この電子書籍について

In Exotics and Retrospectives, Lafcadio Hearn plays the role not only of tour guide, but also dreamscaper. Whether through his narrative recounting of Japanese customs and traditional tales, or while sharing his personal observations and flights of fancy, Hearn's graceful and poetic prose enables the reader to enter a foreign world. Covering subjects from Buddhism to beauty to the color blue to being, he gently, honestly, and humorously lays bare philosophical truths (sometimes overtly, sometimes subtly) so that they may be both seen and felt, and thus better understood. (Goodreads)

著者について

Lafcadio Hearn, born in 1850 on the Greek island of Lefkada, is a literary figure whose life and works bridge the East and West in fascinating ways. Raised in Ireland and educated in France and England, Hearn eventually made his way to the United States, where he worked as a journalist in Cincinnati and New Orleans. His early writings, marked by vivid descriptions and a keen eye for the macabre, earned him a reputation as a master of Gothic horror.However, it was his relocation to Japan in 1890 that truly defined his legacy. Embracing Japanese culture with unparalleled enthusiasm, Hearn became a naturalized citizen and took the name Koizumi Yakumo. His works, such as "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things," offer Western readers a window into the folklore, ghost stories, and everyday life of Meiji-era Japan. Hearn's writings were instrumental in shaping Western perceptions of Japan during a period of rapid modernization and cultural exchange.Controversially, Hearn's romanticized portrayals sometimes glossed over the complexities and challenges of Japanese society. Yet, his deep empathy and genuine curiosity set him apart as a cultural bridge-builder. His influence extends to contemporary writers and scholars who explore cross-cultural themes and the supernatural.Hearn's life was marked by a restless quest for belonging and understanding, making him a compelling figure for modern readers interested in cultural hybridity, the supernatural, and the transformative power of storytelling.