Lafcadio Hearn 
Kwaidan 

Lafcadio Hearn’s ‘Kwaidan’ is a collection of Japanese ghost stories and folktales that captivate readers with its eerie and mystical atmosphere. Hearn’s writing style is poetic and evocative, transporting readers to a world filled with supernatural beings and ancient traditions. Each story is carefully crafted to highlight the cultural richness and spiritual beliefs of Japan, offering a glimpse into a world of yurei (ghosts) and yokai (monsters). Written at the turn of the 20th century, ‘Kwaidan’ preserves these traditional tales for modern readers to appreciate and learn from. Hearn’s deep fascination with Japanese culture and folklore is evident throughout the book, making it a valuable contribution to the study of East Asian literature and supernatural beliefs. ‘Kwaidan’ is a literary gem that continues to inspire and intrigue readers with its timeless tales of the supernatural, making it a must-read for those interested in Japanese folklore and storytelling traditions.

About the author

Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904) was a Japanese writer of Greek-Irish descent. He is best remembered for his books about Japanese culture, especially his collections of legends and ghost stories, such as Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things.