Lafcadio Hearn 
Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan: Second Series 

In Lafcadio Hearn’s book ‚Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan: Second Series‘, readers are taken on a captivating journey through the lesser-known aspects of Japanese culture and society. Hearn’s vivid descriptions and keen observations provide a unique insight into the traditional customs, folklore, and spiritual beliefs of Japan during the late 19th century. His writing style is poetic and immersive, transporting the reader to a time and place that is both mysterious and enchanting. This book serves as a valuable literary work that sheds light on a Japan that is often overlooked in mainstream Western literature. Hearn’s exploration of the ‚unfamiliar‘ Japan offers a refreshing perspective that challenges conventional Western perceptions of the country. Through his meticulous research and genuine curiosity, Hearn delivers a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that is both enlightening and entertaining. ‚Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan: Second Series‘ is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese culture, history, and literature.

Über den Autor

Lafcadio Hearn (1850–1904), also known by the Japanese name Koizumi Yakumo, was a celebrated writer known for his profound influence in introducing Japanese culture and literature to the Western world. Born on the Greek island of Lefkada to an Irish father and Greek mother, Hearn immigrated to the United States in his teens, and later moved to Japan, where he became a naturalized citizen and married a Japanese woman. Hearn’s literary work reflects a deep immersion into the culture and ethos of his adopted home. His seminal work, ‚Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan: Second Series‘ (1894), offers sensitive and elaborate accounts of his observations and experiences in Japan, enfolding his readers into intricately depicted scenes and traditionally esoteric cultural aspects of the late 19th century Japan. A master of narrative style, Hearn’s writing melds journalistic keenness with romantic lyricism, presenting a vivid, ethereal, and at times haunting portrait of Japanese customs, myths, and the everyday life of its people. His works continue to be esteemed for their contribution to transcultural understanding and remain essential readings for those interested in the interplay between East and West during a pivotal period of cultural exchange.