Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) Paperback – March 3, 2009

Ryunosuke Akutagawa, one of Japan's great writers, demonstrates his creative genius in the variety and excellence of the short stories included in this anthology. "Rashomon" and "In a Bamboo Grove" were the basis for Kurosawa's famed movie. However, the subsequent stories are equally captivating in their ability to briefly communicate original themes. The ability to eloquently surprise the reader with each of the stories is a credit to his fame. Recommended to anyone who enjoys the short story genre. Akutagawa's novels "Botchan" and "Kokoro" are also highly praised and recommended.

Wow great quality! The book is of black matte color with red and gold glossy print. It came in perfect condition.

The interpreted stories included in this collection reflect an intelligence that is well-read, perceptive and deeply aware of human foibles. Through the language of ancient Eastern folk tales, half of the short stories are entertaining and revealing. The author writes in the years of 1915 to 1925, in Japan, using Chinese and Japanese literary and cultural themes that not only educate the reader in Eastern literature, but also demonstrate that humanity is the same whether living in the East or West, no matter which century the author writes about and lived. The way people feel about the mysteries of their lives is the same whatever the setting. At the same time, the different, distinctly Eastern cultural prism through which our commonalities present themselves reflect a Japanese view that is a bit mystifying, and very interesting. Fortunately, this collection includes two very famous stories, Rashomon and In a Bamboo Grove which were combined into a famous Japanese movie, from which Hollywood has wisely and not so aptly attempted to imitate in several variations.Later stories included in the book, from 1925 to 1927 are more autobiographical or personal, and while revealing how similar that people feel about fear, stress, anxiety, and how we live within communal society, sadly, these stories show how the author is losing his equilibrium and peace of mind. It is difficult to parse out if it is the fear of going insane or if it is actual instability precipitating his emotional frailty.

This is a classic of modern, pre-war Japanese literature. Creepy, twisted and beautifully spooky. Rashomon is the best known of the stories, but they are all well worth reading. And this edition has by far the coolest cover art of any edition.

Akutagawa is one of my favorites. I'd read the classics "In a Grove" and "Rashomon" but not many of the others. The later stories are remarkably modern feeling and quite poignant. A must read for anyone who loves the short story genre.

Excellent book of short stories by an Author that isnt heard of much inthis country. I'd say give it a shot if you're looking for an interesting read.They're definitely a bit different than your average short story.

got this as a gift for a friend who loves akutagawa, she loved this

For the most part I enjoyed the vast majority of the stories in the book. The only one that I didn't care much for was where the character became half horse due to a celestial screw up. I bought the book after watching a youtube video by Arkham Reporter. There is a balance of love, humor, and sadness in the book.