A Reader's Guide to Japanese Literature (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A short guide to help literature aficionados ... My notebook is now filled with book titles on a 'must buy' list." -- David Farnsworth

"An excellent guide for the uninitiated." -- Choice

"An overview of the Japanese literary tradition ... of great help to the general reader interested in exploring its riches." -- Paul McCarthy

"Essential background at a time when translations of modern Japanese command attention." -- The Christian Science Monitor

"Invaluable." -- Donald Richie

Product Description

Familiarly known as "Rimer's Guide" since its publication in 1988, A Reader's Guide to Japanese Literature by J. Thomas Rimer has now been expanded and updated, keeping it abreast of the latest developments in Japanese literature. The specific aim of the guide is to introduce newcomers to individual literary works in such a way that they can judge for themselves what suits their tastes. Its broader aim is enjoyment--the enjoyment that comes from reading a good book. In keeping with that broader aim, Rimer's Guide is enjoyable to read in its own right, making it the perfect guide for readers who enjoy reading about literary masterpieces.

Rimer's Guide begins in the eighth century and ends in the 1990s. Readers who read from beginning to end will gain a good overview of Japanese literature through their encounters with the individual books that comprise the guide. Those who wish to skip here and there, searching for the book meant especially for them, may do so with impunity. In either case, readers will come across a tremendous variety of literary styles and types: diaries, poetry, plays, essays, short stories, and novels. There are works of great subtlety, works that are boldly drawn, religious works, and secular works. There is something to suit every taste.

Newly added to the original edition's twenty classical and thirty modern works are several new chapters. "After Oe," which covers younger contemporary writers coming after the 1994 Nobel Prize winner Kenzaburo Oe, includes such writers as Haruki Murakami, Ryu Murakami, and Banana Yoshimoto. "Some New Translations'' presents translations of both classic and postwar works and writers who were discussed in the first edition but who are now represented by additional translations. "Another Classical Master. Buson" is a short chapter devoted to a newly translated volume of poetry by the haiku master Buson. "More Modern Masters" cites recently published translations of postwar writers who were not represented in the first edition because translations of their works were not yet available. "The Art of the Essay" comments on the few examples of this important genre that now exist in English translation. The guide ends with a substantial list of further readings for those who would like to pursue their studies in greater depth.

Rimer's Guide thus continues to present Japanese literature in a most accessible manner, both fun to read in itself and rewarding in the suggestions it gives for more pleasurable reading in the days and years ahead.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (JPN); Revised edition (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 4770023596
• ISBN-13: 978-4770023599
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,144,964 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to build a reading list, January 10, 2007

By	therosen "therosen" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

The book has been indispensible in creating a reading list for Japanese Literature. Where to start in such a foreign genre? Why not a list of classic authors, modern authors and current authors, with recommended translations? The book delivers on it's goal.

The only knock - there's a heavy emphasis on poetry, which is not my cup of ocha. But I could spend a dozen years reading the rest of Mr. Rimer's recommendations. No other book like it! Do get the current edition as the state of the art in translations has advanced remarkably since the 1988 original.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars INDISPENSIBLE GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS, July 2, 2001

By	Andy Todes (Haddonfield, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

Afraid to make your first foray into the magical and majestical world of Japanese literature? Then here is a perfect introduction for you. Within this slim volume numerous wonderful recommendations abound, although there is one small oversight -- "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa isn't mentioned. Ah well. Also look into, "The Pleasures of Japanese Literature," by Donald Keene. And for lovers of poetry, I cannot say enough wonderful things about, "The Ink Dark Moon," translated by Jane Hirshfield, and "Modern Japanese Tanka" by Makoto Ueda.