The Complete Works of Ryunosuke Akutagawa (Vol. 1-5)

Author: (Japanese) Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Translator: Zheng Minqin, Wei Dahai, Hou Wei
Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: In February 1916, shortly before graduating from university and at the beginning of his literary career, Ryunosuke Akutagawa published the short story "The Nose" in the revived issue of Shinshidō. Upon reading it, the literary giant Natsume Sōseki immediately wrote a letter in person, praising it immensely: "The story is highly interesting. It is coherent from beginning to end, free of mockery yet full of humor, and remains of superior quality. At first glance, the material is extremely novel, and the structure is quite complete, earning my admiration. If such a writer were to produce two or three dozen more stories like this, he would undoubtedly become an unparalleled figure in the literary world." Akutagawa did not disappoint, producing a string of masterpieces and becoming one of Japan's greatest short story writers. Through the passage of time and the trials of history, a modern writer who can withstand the test of time and occupy a glorious place in literary history holds a special significance. Such a writer represents the literary spirit of a nation and gains recognition worldwide, and this must stem from their extraordinary talent.