Abstract

★That Classic You Know Was Actually Way Ahead of Its Time!
★The Story of How Japanese Literature Kept Reinventing Itself—Beyond What Textbooks Teach

Ever wondered why the works you studied in school are considered masterpieces? In this book, a popular literary critic shows readers how to discover what makes these works so fascinating, in an accessible and engaging way.

These masterpieces have stood the test of time because bold, pioneering writers dared to experiment and break new ground. Their innovative achievements made these works milestones in the history of Japanese literature, celebrated to this day.

From well-known classics such as The Tosa Diary, An Account of My Hut, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, and I Am a Cat to lesser-known gems such as The Parting at Dawn and Shibun Yōryō, the book explores a wide range of literary works.

This engaging volume reveals why it is worthwhile to revisit these groundbreaking classics and discover them anew through a modern perspective.

Author’s Information

Literary critic.