'The papers composing this volume treat of the inner rather than of the outer life of Japan, for which reason they have been grouped under the title Kokoro (heart). [This] word signifies also mind, in the emotional sense; spirit; courage; resolve; sentiment; affection; and inner meaning, just as we say in English, the heart of things.' — Lafcadio Hearn As an interpreter of Japan for the West, Lafcadio Hearn is without parallel. His books are still read with fascination that is a tribute to his keen powers of observation and the vividness of his prose. Kokoro is Hearn's love letter to Japan — his exploration of the genius of Japanese civilization and the wonder he felt at encountering the islands and their inhabitants. His 15 extraordinary essays include: 'Kimiko' — The story of a beautiful geisha who hatches a desperate plan to save her mother from poverty but then must make a heartbreaking choice. 'A Glimpse of Tendencies' — As Western powers gain greater influence in Japan, Hearn sees massive change in Japan's future, both good and bad. 'A Conservative' — A samurai's son embraces the West and travels to Europe but finds his new home to be a shallow and faithless land. 'A Street Singer' — A singer captivates a crowd with the beauty of her song, but her story goes much deeper than her musical talent. 'By Force of Karma' — The peculiar story of a Buddhist priest who receives a letter from a mysterious woman and ultimately takes his own life. Published six years after Hearn arrived in Japan, these essays focus on understanding the inner spiritual life of the Japanese. Sometimes touching and always compelling, they are drawn from Hearn's own experiences, telling stories of the people and customs that still make Japan so unique. Kokoro includes an informative foreword by Hearn expert Patricia Welch which highlights the book's beauty and how, 125 years later, our understanding of the soul of Japan can still be deepened by Hearn's heartfelt prose.
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