BooksBooks: Japan through a literary kaleidoscope
Richard Nathan's study is as much about the country as its writing
In "Kaleidoscope Japan," author Richard Nathan delivers a playful mix of the innovative and the erudite. (Source photo Circle Editions; illustration by Kayoko Akiyama, © Red Circle Authors Limited)
STEPHEN MANSFIELD, Contributing writer
November 28, 2024 08:00 JST
Originality is seldom found in books relating to literary history -- writers and critics are content in most instances to assume a subservient role in relation to the authors they are examining. More often than not, scholarly or portentous content obviates the need for a fresh design approach or lively language.