Irish Writing on Lafcadio Hearn and Japan: Writer, Journalist & Teacher

In the century since Lafcadio Hearn’s first books about Japan were published, few other writers have been so widely read for their interpretations and records of things Japanese . This work sets out to celebrate and explore Hearn’s Irish background because of the formative influences this has had on his view of life as well as on what many have called his literary genius. Here, 15 Irish writers explore Hearn as a writer, journalist and teacher across a wide spectrum of topics, from his Irish roots and ancestry to a comparative analysis with W.B. Yeats, his significance as an interpreter of Japanese life and culture, and also offer an overview of his literary achievements. This work should appeal to anyone who is interested in enriching their understanding of Japan, as well as those with a particular interest in hearn, the Irish literary tradition andlife in a cross-cultural context. The book contains a special appendix of hitherto unpublished Hearn-related letters, diary entries, memoranda and illustrative material.