Kokoro

"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 has no peer. His books are still read with fascination by foreigners and Japanese alike—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 these islands and their inhabitants. The 15 extraordinary stories in this book include: "Kimiko"— A beautiful geisha hatches a desperate plan to save her mother from poverty but then must make a heartbreaking choice. "A Conservative"— A samurai's son embraces the West and travels to