Lafcadio Hearn Libri

Ci attirano, ci affascinano, ci spaventano e spesso ci lasciano con un impensabile senso di vuoto. Le storie di fantasmi giapponesi aleggiano tra l’orrore e il romanticismo, in un limbo percorso da anime che non trovano pace per essere state costrette ad abbandonare il mondo terreno prima di aver compiuto fino in fondo il loro percorso. Vendetta, amore, imbarazzo, risentimento, curiosità, angoscia, nostalgia, memoria, altruismo: ogni fantasma ha il suo personale motivo per ripresentarsi ai viventi, e ognuno lo fa in modo diverso, e con differenti effetti sulla quotidianità di amici, nemici, parenti o amanti. STORIE DI FANTASMI GIAPPONESI raccoglie i più celebri racconti di genere della tradizione giapponese, come quello di Hoichi, suonatore cieco di biwa, o quello di Oyuki, dama delle nevi, che tornano qui nella loro dimensione originale. Presentato oggi per la prima volta nella sua versione completa in lingua italiana, questo volume è stato trasposto nel visionario film KWAIDAN di Masaki Koba­yashi, Premio Speciale della Giuria al Festival di Cannes nel 1965.

Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, by Lafcadio Hearn, features several Japanese ghost stories and a brief study on insects. Hearn declares in his introduction, that most of these stories were translated from old Japanese texts (probably with the help of his wife, Setsu Koizumi). He also states that one of the stories - Yuki-onna - was told to him by a farmer in Musashi Province, and this was, to the best of his knowledge, the first record of it.

The collection features Lafcadio Hearn's early writings, highlighting his vivid imagination through a mix of short stories and essays. It skillfully intertwines supernatural elements with whimsical themes, showcasing his fascination with the mystical and macabre. This anthology offers a glimpse into Hearn's literary flair and unique perspective, making it a compelling read for fans of fantastical literature.

Delving into the enchanting realm of insects, this work presents a vivid exploration of their unique behaviors and characteristics, likening them to mythical creatures. Through captivating prose, the author invites readers to see the intricate lives of these tiny beings, revealing their fascinating roles in nature and the interconnectedness of all life. The narrative blends scientific insight with whimsical storytelling, creating a rich tapestry that celebrates the wonders of the insect world.

Exploring the supernatural, this collection delves into Japan's rich ghostly lore through Lafcadio Hearn's captivating prose. It features tales of a pilgrim's climb among skulls, a dying woman's sinister legacy, and a ghostly beauty's visit to her samurai lover. Drawing on ancient legends, Hearn vividly portrays spirits and demons while weaving in Buddhist proverbs, haiku translations, and incense rituals. This work offers a spine-tingling glimpse into the unseen realms of Japanese culture, showcasing Hearn's mastery of the macabre.

In questo volume sono raccolti e presentati quei racconti che citano o parlano in qualche modo del "Libro Maledetto", quel Necronomicon che, sicuramente opera di fantasia di Lovecraft, come lui stesso ebbe ad affermare, a tutt'oggi conta una numerosa schiera di appassionati che sono convinti esista davvero. È in ogni caso fuor di dubbio che queste storie inquietanti costituiscono un momento fondamentale nell'insieme del corpus narrativo del Solitario di Providence, e in particolar modo per quanto attiene al suo famosissimo Ciclo dei Miti di Cthulhu, che viene unanimemente riconosciuto come la parte più pregnante e significativa della sua produzione.

The works of Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) played a critical role in introducing his adopted Japan to a worldwide audience. In Kokoro: Hints and Echoes of Japanese Inner Life, he writes, "The papers composing this volume treat of the inner rather than of the outer life of Japan, - for which reason they have been grouped under the title Kokoro (heart). This word signifies also mind, in the emotional sense; spirit; courage; resolve; sentiment; affection; and inner meaning, - just as we say in English, 'the heart of things.'" After centuries of isolation Meiji-era Japan was forced to adjust its customs and beliefs to Western influences, and Hearn reflects on the value of these traditions of the "heart" as seen in Japanese popular justice, arts, economy, patriotism, and religion. Chapters include: At a Railway Station - The Genius of Japanese Civilization - A Street Singer - From a Traveling Diary - The Nun of the Temple of Amida - After the War - Haru - A Glimpse of Tendencies - By Force of Karma - A Conservative - In the Twilight of the Gods - The Idea of Preëxistence - In Cholera-Time - Some Thoughts About Ancestor-Worship - Kimiko - Three Popular Ballads: The Ballad of Shūntoku-maru - The Ballad of Oguri-Hangwan - The Ballad of O-Shichi, the Daughter of the Yaoya.

The book presents a captivating collection of Japanese ghost stories and strange tales, showcasing Lafcadio Hearn's translations alongside Kent Williams' striking illustrations. It features over sixty artworks that vividly depict eerie spirits and macabre folklore, including corpse brides and haunting goblins. Accompanying essays by notable figures like Darren Aronofsky and Bon Koizumi enrich the experience. Housed in an elegant slipcase, this edition is a stunning addition to the Illuminated Editions series, merging rich storytelling with exceptional artistry.