A reader's guide to Japanese literature

by J. Thomas Rimer

Familiarly known as "Rimer's Guide" since its publication in 1988, A Reader's Guide to Japanese Literature by J. Thomas Rimer has now been expanded and updated, keeping it abreast of the latest developments in Japanese literature. The specific aim of the guide is to introduce newcomers to individual literary works in such a way that they can judge for themselves what suits their tastes. Its broader aim is enjoyment--the enjoyment that comes from reading a good book. In keeping with that broader aim, Rimer's Guide is enjoyable to read in its own right, making it the perfect guide for readers who enjoy reading about literary masterpieces. Rimer's Guide begins in the eighth century and ends in the 1990s. Readers who read from beginning to end will gain a good overview of Japanese literature through their encounters with the individual books that comprise the guide. Those who wish to skip here and there, searching for the book meant especially for them, may do so with impunity. In either case, readers will come across a tremendous variety of literary styles and diaries, poetry, plays, essays, short stories, and novels. There are works of great subtlety, works that are boldly drawn, religious works, and secular works. There is something to suit every taste. Newly added to the original edition's twenty classical and thirty modern works are several new chapters. "After Oe," which covers younger contemporary writers coming after the 1994 Nobel Prize winner Kenzaburo Oe, includes such writers as Haruki Murakami, Ryu Murakami, and Banana Yoshimoto. "Some New Translations'' presents translations of both classic and postwar works and writers who were discussed in the first edition but who are now represented by additional translations. "Another Classical Master. Buson" is a short chapter devoted to a newly translated volume of poetry by the haiku master Buson. "More Modern Masters" cites recently published translations of postwar writers who were not represented in the first edition because translations of their works were not yet available. "The Art of the Essay" comments on the few examples of this important genre that now exist in English translation. The guide ends with a substantial list of further readings for those who would like to pursue their studies in greater depth. Rimer's Guide thus continues to present Japanese literature in a most accessible manner, both fun to read in itself and rewarding in the suggestions it gives for more pleasurable reading in the days and years ahead.

Genres: Nonfiction, Japan, Reference, Literary Criticism

Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first edition of this was my gateway to Japanese Literature back in the day. After I had read all of the Kawabata, Tanizaki and Mishima that was in print I found at the campus book store, I stumbled onto this. So invaluable back then, years before my first internet search - gotta be old like me to appreciate a book like this which I used to search libraries and stores in an ever widening search to quench my new passion. I loved how reading this book made me feel like I was a well rounded reader of Japanese Literature, from the classics to the moderns, before I had even found much of anything beyond the bid three yet. Well written, well chosen survey of works and authors, still good, and even better with the circa 1999 updates. The funny thing is, now that current Japanese fiction is well represented by a plethora of younger, quirky, violence and horror and magical realism obsessed writers, this book is just as valuable as it ever was - now that so many of the "boring" and "old fashioned" 20th century writers in these pages have passed into out-of-print neglect. C'mon, Kodansha, reprint some of these great books in great translations that are mentioned in here.

[Gertrude & Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an invaluable reference for anyone interested in the Japanese literary tradition. (I'm afraid there's not much in the way of popular fiction though since it was published over twenty years ago.) Rimer does an excellent job of supplying you with just the right amount of information needed, and in a concise economical style, to get you started on your road to the uniquely remarkable world of Japanese fiction.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book much more than I thought I would. The group of Japanese works included in this book are diverse in their subject matter, time periods, formats, and authors. The summaries given for each work and the mini-biographies of the authors are very well written and readable. A good read for anyone interested in Japanese literature, whether they have previous knowledge of that literature type or not. Highly recommended. :)