To Write in the Air: Bakin and Toyohiro

Here's an image that surfaced today that I enjoy because it captures so many stories of flying ships -- whether sailed or feathered, and all the adventures written from such a fanciful vantage point. This magical novel "Musou Byoue Kocho Monogatari" written by Kyokutei Bakin and illustrated by Utagawa Toyohiro, in the late 19th century is about a poet's journey around Japan, perched on the back of bird kite. Would that not be the perfect place from which to write? And for another novel of magical flight I recommend Passarola Rising" by Azhar Abidi about two Brazilian brothers in the 18th century who create a flying ship, and travel throughout Europe and other places...it is a beautiful and haunting novel.

Recently, another image from the Bakin book surfaced (thank you internet) revealing the drama of the writer as he tumbles from the back of his hawk-flying kite. I so wish I had the book! I've seen it described now as a sort of Gulliver's travel, with the intrepid writer and fantastic bird kite (a red and white hawk) flying to new lands.