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Hell Screen

Classic short stories from a master of Japanese literature

Ryunosuke Akutagawa author Jay Rubin translator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:25th Aug '22

Should be back in stock very soon

Hell Screen cover

This collection features the remarkable short stories of Ryunosuke Akutagawa, including those that inspired the film Rashomon.

Introducing Hell Screen: a captivating collection that features the remarkable short stories of Ryunosuke Akutagawa, a pivotal figure in modern Japanese literature. This edition is part of the Little Clothbound Classics series, which showcases a diverse range of literary works from around the world. Each book is beautifully designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith, making them not only a joy to read but also delightful to display. The stories within Hell Screen transport readers from the snow-covered landscapes of Japan to the vibrant streets of Vienna, immersing them in a tapestry of human experience and emotion.

The collection highlights Akutagawa's unique ability to blend beauty with darkness, humor with despair. Among the stories included are those that inspired Akira Kurosawa's acclaimed film Rashomon, which exemplifies the complexity of human nature and the subjective nature of truth. Readers will encounter narratives that evoke a range of emotions, from the sublime to the absurd, reflecting Akutagawa's profound understanding of the human condition.

As one of the fathers of the Japanese short story, Akutagawa's works remain timeless, resonating with audiences across generations. This edition of Hell Screen not only celebrates his literary genius but also invites readers to explore the intricate layers of his storytelling. With its tactile cloth binding and striking design, this collectible edition is a must-have for literature lovers and a perfect introduction to Akutagawa's enduring legacy.

One never tires of reading and re-reading his best works. The elegantly spare style has a truly spine-tingling brilliance -- Haruki Murakami
Extravagance and horror are in his work, but never in the style, which is always crystal-clear -- Jorge Luis Borges

ISBN: 9780241573693

Dimensions: 168mm x 120mm x 20mm

Weight: 232g

224 pages