Description
Tales from Old Edo
Book Summary
This volume offers a careful selection of ghost stories and traditional Japanese tales, translated directly into Spanish. The reader will find an approach to a popular phenomenon that has been documented in Japanese literature for centuries and remains part of the country's rich culture today. The texts are drawn from ancient sources, such as the monumental "Konjaku Monogatarishuu" anthology from the Heian period, and offer a window into the beliefs, Buddhism, and customs of classical Japan.
What is it about?
The work brings together a collection of short narratives that explore fear and the supernatural from the perspective of Japanese tradition. The tales, with origins dating back to the end of the Heian period (794-1185), do not merely seek to frighten, but also reflect the worldview of a society where the spiritual and the everyday are intertwined. Through these stories, the reader delves into themes such as the origin and development of Buddhism in India, China, and Japan, their differences and similarities, the customs that accompany them, and their application in the daily lives of the people. It is a work that combines entertainment with an immersion into the culture and beliefs of old Edo.
Main themes
- Traditional Japanese ghost and horror stories.
- Popular Buddhism and its influence on daily life.
- Worldview and beliefs of classical Japan.
- Supernatural tales and popular legends.
- Differences and similarities of Buddhism in India, China, and Japan.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for readers interested in classical Japanese culture, traditional horror literature, and folk tales. It is also ideal for those seeking to understand the roots of Japanese folklore and its relationship with Buddhism, as well as for those who enjoy short narratives with a strong historical and spiritual component.
What this book offers
- A selection of classic Japanese ghost stories, translated directly into Spanish.
- An immersion into the beliefs and customs of ancient Japan, starting from the Heian period.
- An understanding of popular Buddhism and its role in daily life and literature.
- An opportunity to discover a cultural phenomenon that remains relevant in modern-day Japan.
Technical specifications
- Author: Sanz Rivera, Arsenio
- Publisher: Mandala Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Modern and contemporary fiction, traditional tales
- Collection: Oriental Classics
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: May 2021
- Number of pages: 170
- Weight: 186 g
Editorial review
This work represents a valuable opportunity to access a literary tradition rarely translated into Spanish. The selection of tales, rooted in classical sources such as the "Konjaku Monogatarishuu," offers an authentic and well-documented perspective of Japanese folklore. The book will be of particular interest to fans of Japanese culture and scholars of horror literature, as it presents material that combines entertainment with a solid historical and religious context.