Stray Leaves from Strange Literature, and, Fantastics and Other Fancies
Aug 2021 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
213
Pages
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About this ebook
Excerpt: "While engaged upon this little mosaic work of legend and fable, I felt much like one of those merchants told of in Sindbad's Second Voyage, who were obliged to content themselves with gathering the small jewels adhering to certain meat which eagles brought up from the Valley of Diamonds. I have had to depend altogether upon the labor of translators for my acquisitions; and these seemed too small to deserve separate literary setting. By cutting my little gems according to one pattern, I have doubtless reduced the beauty of some; yet it seemed to me their colors were so weird, their luminosity so elfish, that their intrinsic value could not be wholly destroyed even by so clumsy an artificer as I."
About the author
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.
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