J-Bungaku: 50 Masterpieces To Discover and Appreciate In English

[Recommended by Mitsuyo Kakuta] Japanese literature, ancient and modern, is deconstructed in two languages: Japanese and English. This unique book taught me that novels can completely engulf a culture, language, and era.

[Summary] A brand-new guide to Japanese literature, navigated in both Japanese and English by familiar TV personality Professor Campbell.

NHK Educational TV's "J-Bungaku" is now available in book form! A carefully selected collection of 50 must-read Japanese masterpieces, from Sei Shonagon to Hiromi Kawakami. By comparing a scene from each work in the original and English while understanding the historical background and plot, you can learn English ways of thinking and rediscover the depth of Japanese literature.

[Major works featured] 50 stories, including Sei Shonagon's "The Pillow Book," Matsuo Basho's "The Narrow Road to the Deep North," Natsume Soseki's "Sanshiro," Fukuzawa Yukichi's "An Encouragement of Learning," Nakazato Kaizan's "Daibosatsu Toge Pass," Kobayashi Takiji's "The Crab Cannery Ship," Hayashi Fumiko's "Wanderings," Ishihara Shintaro's "Season of the Sun," Ekuni Kaori's "Mamiya Brothers," and Kawakami Hiromi's "Treading on a Snake.