'What is the life of a human being - a drop of dew, a flash of lightning? This is so sad, so sad.' Autobiographical stories from one of Japan's masters of modernist story-telling. Introducing Little Black Classics: 80 books for Penguin's 80th birthday. Little Black Classics celebrate the huge range and diversity of Penguin Classics, with books from around the world and across many centuries. They take us from a balloon ride over Victorian London to a garden of blossom in Japan, from Tierra del Fuego to 16th-century California and the Russian steppe. Here are stories lyrical and savage; poems epic and intimate; essays satirical and inspirational; and ideas that have shaped the lives of millions. Ryunosuke Akutagawa (1892-1927). Akutagawa's Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories is also available in Penguin Classics.
Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Ryunosuke Akutagawa was a Japanese writer known for his innovative storytelling and exploration of the human psyche. His most notable works include "Rashomon" and "In a Grove," which served as the basis for Akira Kurosawa's film "Rashomon." Akutagawa is considered a master of the short story form, blending elements of traditional Japanese literature with modernist techniques. His works often delve into themes of morality, identity, and the nature of truth. Akutagawa's impact on literature can be seen in his influence on modern Japanese writers and his lasting legacy as one of the pioneers of Japanese literature in the early 20th century.
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