Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things

In "Kwaidan," Lafcadio Hearn masterfully crafts a collection of ghost stories drawn from Japanese folklore, presenting a tapestry of the mysterious and supernatural that reflects the deep cultural resonances of Japan's past. The narratives are characterized by Hearn's lyrical prose and evocative imagery, inviting readers into a world where the ethereal and the everyday intertwine. His unique approach to storytelling is situated within the Meiji era, a time of rich cultural exchange and transformation, wherein Hearn sought to illuminate Japan's spiritual essence and its rich oral traditions that often remained obscured from Western audiences. Lafcadio Hearn, a Greek-born writer with a profound affinity for Japanese culture, spent a significant portion of his life in Japan, immersing himself in its customs, beliefs, and traditions. His experiences as a journalist, coupled with his keen interest in the supernatural, shaped his perspective and inspired him to compile these ghost stories, displaying an authentic voice that celebrates the nuanced complexities of Japanese spiritual life. Hearn's cross-cultural identity positions him uniquely as a bridge between East and West, allowing him to present Japanese tales with both reverence and artistry. For those seeking an enchanting journey into the heart of Japan's folklore, "Kwaidan" stands as a captivating read. It is not only a vivid portrayal of traditional ghost stories but also serves as a profound exploration of the human experience with the unseen. Readers interested in mythology, culture, or the supernatural will find Hearn's work a compelling and enlightening addition to their literary collection.

IGNANT magazine

"The photo book is a new edition of the critically acclaimed book of the same name . . . [featuring] a collection of horror stories, Japanese legends, and ghost stories presented in English for Western audiences. The tales are some of the first examples of modern fantasy literature: including man-eating goblins, insects who parrot human behavior, and a musician who performs to a dead audience. Hearn died soon after the book’s publication, only finding posthumous success. Over a century later, Watanabe has used the eerie stories as the conceptual basis for his imagery in Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, presenting this new edition of the classic text in print."

Photo-eye, 2019 Favorite Photobooks

"Out of this year’s vast ocean of photography books, Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, stands out for me. Written by Lafcadio Hearn over a century ago, and now brilliantly illustrated with accompanying photographs by award-winning photographer Hiroshi Watanabe, these folk stories are revitalized in this new edition." -- Elizabeth Avedon

PhotoBook Journal

"Wonderful photographs. . . . [Watanabe's] black and white photographs add a layer of understanding and environmental context for the accompanying stories. His photographs are at times as dark as Hearn’s stories. The Kwaidan are a collection of mysterious stories that are well suited for a vivid imagination."

About the Author

Hearn (1850-1904) was born in Levkas, Greece, as the son of Greek and British parents. In 1869 he went to the United States and did various work, finally as a journalist. In 1890 he came to Japan and taught English in Japanese schools, and became a Japanese citizen under the name of Koizumi Yakuma. He died in Tokyo.

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