Lafcadio Hearn
Yakumo Koizumi , born Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, was a writer, translator, and teacher who introduced the culture and literature of Japan to the West. His writings offered unprecedented insight into Japanese culture, especially his collections of legends and ghost stories, such as Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things. Before moving to Japan and becoming a Japanese citizen, he worked as a journalist in the United States, primarily in Cincinnati and New Orleans. His writings about New Orleans, based on his decade-long stay there, are also well-known.
Exotics and Retrospectives
Embark on a journey through culture and nature with an author's reflections on Japan and the West, unveiling the spiritual significance of a sacred mountain and the harmonious sounds of tiny musicians.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Kokoro: Hints and Echoes of Japanese Inner Life
In a land of ancient customs, a captured criminal confronts the sorrow of a widow and her fatherless child, challenging our understanding of remorse and justice.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Kotto: Being Japanese Curios, with Sundry Cobwebs
Venture through ancient Japan where ghostly encounters and courageous acts reveal the hidden beliefs and chilling realities of a bygone era.
By Lafcadio Hearn
In Ghostly Japan
Journey to a land where cursed garments bring doom, spirits lead the way through haunted mountains, and incense bridges the gap between the living and the dead.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Books and Habits, from the Lectures of Lafcadio Hearn
** A teacher bridges cultural divides by unpacking tough subjects like love and gender in Western stories for students from Japan.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan: Second Series
Venture into a world of serene gardens, ancient customs, and hidden meanings as a writer uncovers the soul of Japan.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Gleanings in Buddha-Fields: Studies of Hand and Soul in the Far East
Discover a world where ancient spirits dwell among vibrant shrines, and the soul of a nation is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Kimiko, and Other Japanese Sketches
In a world of beauty and tradition, a captivating geisha navigates love and duty, revealing the hidden struggles of women in old Japan.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Some Chinese Ghosts
Venture into a world where selfless acts echo through spectral realms, where a daughter’s sacrifice transforms into a haunting melody within a great bell.
By Lafcadio Hearn
The Romance of the Milky Way, and Other Studies & Stories
Enter a world rich with Japanese folklore, where celestial lovers separated by the Milky Way ignite the human spirit with longing and the promise of a yearly reunion.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Two Years in the French West Indies
Embark on a journey to the French West Indies, where a traveler's awe-struck observations paint a vivid picture of a vibrant island culture and stunning landscapes.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Letters from the Raven: Correspondence of L. Hearn with Henry Watkin
Uncover the innermost thoughts and personal evolution of a literary icon as revealed through heartfelt exchanges with a cherished companion.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan: First Series
Experience a foreigner's enthralling journey through a land of captivating customs, spiritual mysteries, and the allure of an unfamiliar way of life.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Chita: A Memory of Last Island
In 19th-century Louisiana, the gaiety of a vibrant resort community is tragically swept away by a catastrophic hurricane, forever altering the fate of a once-thriving island.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Leaves from the Diary of an Impressionist: Early Writings
Journey into the sun-soaked landscapes and shadowed corners of the late 19th century through the eyes of a traveler, capturing both the vibrant beauty and underlying melancholy of a world on the cusp of change.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Stray leaves from strange literature; and, Fantastics and other fancies
Venture into a world where ancient myths and forgotten legends come alive through captivating tales of magic, mystery, and cultural wonder.
By Lafcadio Hearn
"Gombo Zhèbes." Little Dictionary of Creole Proverbs
Unlock the secrets of a unique culture through its colorful sayings and the hidden stories they tell.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Shadowings
In a world of Japanese folklore and tradition, a man confronts the heavy consequences of love lost and paths not taken, forever haunted by his past decisions.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Pre-Raphaelite and other Poets
Journey through 19th-century poetry with an expert guide, uncovering the beauty and depth of famous poets who broke the mold.
By Lafcadio Hearn
Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things
A blind musician's encounter with vengeful spirits sets the stage for a collection of chilling stories rooted in Japanese folklore and the mysteries of life, death, and the world beyond.
By Lafcadio Hearn