Kappa: A Novel - Softcover

Akutagawa, Ryunosuke

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0804809941 ISBN 13: 9780804809948

Publisher: Charles E. Tuttle Company, 1971

Synopsis

Ryunosuke Akutagawa (1892-1927) is known primarily as the author whose books formed the basis of Kurosawa's Rashomon. Originally published in 1927, Kappa was published just before he committed suicide, at the age of 35. Patient No. 23 tells his story to anyone in the asylum who will listen. On his way home through a valley, he falls into a deep abyss while chasing a nimble creature with a face like a tiger and a sharp beak. The creature was a Kappa, and when he awoke he was in Kappaland. One man's initiation into the rites of this parallel world becomes the vehicle for a savage and funny critique of contemporary Japanese life and customs.

About this title

About the Author:

Ryunosuke Akutagawa was the author of more than 100 short stories as well as translations of the works of Anatole France and Yeats. Akutagawa was regarded as a major author during his lifetime, and the Akutagawa Prize, established after his death, is now one of Japan’s most prestigious literary awards. Two of the stories from his collection Rashomon formed the basis of the award-winning film of the same title by Akira Kurosawa.

Language Notes:

Text: English, Japanese (translation)

About this edition

• Publisher: Charles E. Tuttle Company
• Publication date: 1971
• ISBN 10: 0804809941
• ISBN 13: 9780804809948
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 141