Colette Books

This is a review of Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories, translated by Jay Rubin and published in 2006. Not Rashomon and Other Stories, the name of two other books by other translators that contain only a handful of tales and were published years ago. Why Amazon groups the three books together despite their different contents, I don't know. No stars for them.

The author, Akutagawa (1892-1927), is even today considered one of Japan's most accomplished short-story writers. As some reviewers say, he's not for everyone. But readers attracted to the dark, pessimistic and atmospheric, or to the introspective and psychological subtleties conveyed with style in his best stories, might find some of his works worthwhile.

He published about 150 stories between 1914 and his death; a scholar of his work has written somewhere that about half of them are still readable. There's a big gap between the best and the rest. Before this collection, some 60 of the stories had been translated into English since the 1930s. Here, eight more appear in English for the first time. The translator claimed nine, but a translation by Lawrence Rogers of "The Death Register" appeared earlier, in 2002.

Akutagawa's short-story career can be divided roughly into three periods. In the early works, from 1914 to 1922, at his best he drew inspiration from Japanese folktales and history and a range of non-Japanese sources, focusing on the characters' psychology to make them strikingly modern. Of the early works, the best known in English are "The Nose" (1916), "Kesa and Morito" (1918), "H-ll Screen" (1918) and "In a Grove" (1921), besides the vignette "Rashomon" (1915).

In the middle period, from 1922 or so to 1925, he sought more frequently and somewhat less successfully to make the settings of his writing more contemporary, while beginning to draw more deeply from his own life. Many of the works from the late period, from 1926 or so to his death, were heavily autobiographical, with his unease and despondency strongly apparent. Among the best-known works from the late period are "The Life of a Fool," "Spinning Gears" and "Kappa," all from 1927.

This anthology devoted close to two-thirds of its pages to the early period, with the remainder split between middle and late. The translator sought a balance between retranslations of the author's well-known pieces from throughout his career -- most of the stories already mentioned, plus the beautifully compressed moral tale "The Spider's Thread" -- and first-time translations of lesser-known ones from the early and middle periods. The first-time translations, it was claimed, showed a funnier, more shocking and more imaginative side than had appeared previously in English.

Of the first-time translations, most enjoyed were those from the middle period: "Daidoji Shinsuke: The Early Years" (1924), the author's recollections of growing up in Tokyo in which his early psychology came strikingly alive, and "The Baby's Sickness" (1923) and "The Writer's Craft" (1924), in which he depicted with concern or irony the details of his family and working life. It seems that translations of autobiographical stories from this period haven't been published widely before, if at all. So they appear to be one of the main contributions of this anthology.

Stories from the author's early period that were translated for the first time covered subjects such as harassed Christian villagers in the provinces in earlier times and an insane feudal retainer in Edo. Though maybe not on the level of his very best work from this period, they too helped provide a more complete picture of his work. In particular, his story about a Christian who renounced her religion in an attempt to save her daughter, who then died, showed again his great ability to depict the macabre in ways that can't be forgotten.

Of the retranslations, maybe what's most worthwhile is that the versions provided here of the late works "The Life of a Fool" and "Spinning Gears" are better than the previous ones, more nuanced and more polished.

The main short stories I missed in this anthology were "Kesa and Morito," a brilliantly reimagined event from Japanese medieval times told in the first person, from the clashing perspectives of a man and a woman. And "Tangerines" (1919), a memorable vignette of observation and feeling during a train ride taken by the narrator. These were missed because for me this author, except in his moral tales, is often at his best in the early stories when speaking through other characters in the first person. Or in the works before his late period when he's describing events drawn from his own life but is in full control. Otherwise, too often the earlier stories feel a bit detached or in the late pieces his nervous sensibility becomes too jarring.

The anthology seems to have been a labor of love by the translator, who reevaluated the author's complete works and retranslated a number of the best-known stories, instead of just reprinting previous versions. There was an introduction by the writer Haruki Murakami that was very useful for a Japanese perspective on Akutagawa's life, problems and significance. The collection also supplied a detailed chronology of the author's life and many scholarly footnotes. It contained several more stories than the other large anthologies, Glenn Shaw's Tales Grotesque and Curious (1930), Takashi Kojima's Japanese Short Stories (1961) and Exotic Japanese Stories (1964), Seiji Lippit's The Essential Akutagawa (1999), and Charles De Wolf's Mandarins (2007). It's the most careful and detailed of any collection for this author that I've seen.

Still, it lacked works of his that are well worth reading. For that reason, those who enjoyed it might also like the other collections, especially the ones by Lippit and De Wolf. The quality of some of the translations in Lippit varies -- unlike Rubin's book, numerous translators were involved -- and about half the titles are the same. But from the early period Lippit offers strong pieces set in the past that supplement the ones in Rubin, such as "Kesa and Morito," "Tu Tze-Chun" (1920), "Autumn Mountain" (1921) and "The Faint Smiles of the Gods" (1922). His anthology also contains Akutagawa's erudite but grim note of farewell.

The anthology by De Wolf offers a mix of the familiar, including new versions of "Tangerines" and "Kesa and Morito," and tales translated for the first time. Compared to Rubin and Lippitt, De Wolf devotes less space to the macabre early stories set in the past and more to the variety of styles in the author's career. There are a number of tales from the early period set in contemporary times, for example, including "The Garden" (1922). And "Winter" (1927), a late but masterful story that isn't obsessively autobiographical.

Shaw's anthology also contains earlier works well worth reading, such as "Mori Sensei," "Lice" and "The Wine Worm," as well as good versions of "The Handkerchief" and "The Ball."

This reader hopes that translators of future collections for this author will take the opportunity to introduce into English a few more of his still-untranslated works, among them "The Story of St. Christopher" (1919), which has been called a stylistic tour de force, "A Day in the Life of Oishi Kuranosuke" (1917), and "Lechery" (1921). Or maybe even something from his essays, like "Words of a Dwarf." Aside from the interest of his best writing, he stands out as one of the more sensitive writers of his time and place during a period of massive change. And not least, as a personality.

I saw Kurosawa's Rashomon and thought that Akutagawa's stories used to build the movie fable could give me some additional amazement extending the one I've gotten from the movie. After reading this book from the front to the back cover and under a single breath - I hardly remember what were my initial expectations and motives urging me to buy and read this book.

Ryunosuke Akutagawa, as the introduction to this work will tell you, is one of the most well known and admired figures in Japanese literature. He was a sensitive and cynical man who wrote more than one hundred short before his early death in 1927. Like many people in the West, I think I was drawn to Akutagawa's work after viewing Akira Kurosawa's "Rashomon" and wanted to read the story (or stories, rather) upon which it was based. Just as Kurosawa was a master of the moving image, Akutagawa was a master of the written language and a keen observer of the human condition.

For those not familiar with Akutagawa's work, be warned: his dark, ironic and frequently pessimistic world-view is not for everyone. In his stories love, honor and decency are often frequently and unexpectedly replaced by jealousy, hatred and violence. This collection of stories can easily be read in one or two sittings, but it's unsettling effects will likely stay with you for long you put it down.

With 17 other stories, and alot of extras. The preface is well written, in how the translation has changed some over the years, and explaining the era, pronounceation of certain words, etc. I really don't need to go into this book as enough good reviews have said alot. The book stands the test of time as brilliant.

I was expecting a lot when I first opened Rashomon and 17 other stories, and I was not let down. Ryunosuke Akutagawa has an amazing style, and also led an interesting and difficult life. I recommend that anyone considering this product get it, whether it be from a used book store or a new copy. You won't be let down.

This is another great book by Colette Peters. She is extremely creative. If you have some good cake decorating experience under your belt, some of her cakes are very doable! Awesome photos! This book is very inspirational and chalk full of new projects to try! keep the great ideas coming, Colette!

Some amazing pictures, Mind blowing cakes, alot of fun just to look at, And some great tips to get started making these beautiful cakes

There are so many whimsical cake designs that it's hard to choose one. I had the pleasure of taking a class at Colette's shop in New York and got to see some of the designs in person. The attention to detail is amazing, and the colors are so vibrant. I absolute love the fish cake on the cover but the purse cake is my favorite.

This book has lots of great ideas. Its just not what I expected. I love colette's newer work and i think shes incredibly talented BUT this book lacks INTEREST.The best cake was the one on the cover.. Also the cakes seem extremely time consuming using tons of Fondant. I hate to sound so negative because there are good ideas but i dont think i'll be making many of these cakes. But i will use some of the techniques she uses.

This book gives me something to work up to. Initially it is a little intimidating to the novice decorator (such as myself), but Colette Peters does a great job of breaking down the instructions so that it seems easier than it looks. Even if you are not crazy about every design in this book, it is sure to inspire.

I found the images of each wedding cake to be one of a kind and easy to build your own wedding cake from. This book is a wonderful reference guide.

I like this book, I don't love it but I think it's well worth the money!!

If you ask me if I'd buy it again; I'd say yes!!

obviously not a cookbook though there are several basic recipes included. This book is a great tool to help stir your imagination and creativity. Colette Peters features many beautiful and unique cakes in this book, Its a great cake book to add to your collection serious baker or just a baking enthusist!

I am someone who really admires Colette's work. I had bought all of her cake books except this one and "Colette's Christmas" (going for $200 now as opposed to the usual $30+-... what does that tell you about her popularity??) (YOU GO GIRL) However, I just received Colette's Cakes and am a little disappointed. This must be one of Colette's 1st books. These cakes offered no real challenge at all for me. Hey, I guess you have to start somewhere. Colette has grown and developed so much!! I really am one of her biggest fans!! Just thought you might want to know this book is a little light on the creative side, compared to Colette's work we know and love today!! :) P.S. - Her Chocolate Bourbon Cake Recipe in her book "Colette's Birthday Cakes" is UNBELIEVABLY delicious!!! I made the cover cake and was SO "THE HERO" at that party!! Thanks Colette!! :D

I bought this book for my mom for mother's day and asked her to make me the seashell shaped cake for my birthday yesterday and she was pretty intimidated at first not thinking she'd be able to pull off such a realistic work of art..especially because she had never even used fondant before...but she soon found out it was WAYYY EASIER than she ever imagined! :) Collette really breaks down the process for the common kitchen dweller. You don't have to be Picasso to create these masterpieces. This book provides excellent descriptions, precise illustrations and absolutely gorgeous photographs! 5stars!! :)

Another very good author from hay house (you can hear her via hay house radio on web).

Fun and very informative for those who would like to open the door to your other life.

I love this book! When I was reading I felt as if I was sitting with Colette and talking face to face. I also found myself laughing out loud a number of times at her subtle humors throughout.

I finished the entire book and have not yet done the exercises with the 7 Secrets but I am now going back to do them... and very excited about what I have in store for myself!

I enjoyed reading Colette Baron-Reid's book. I would suggest it to any one who would like to find their path. Enjoy the humor, enjoy the insite.

I was so disappointed with this book, and extremely disappointed that it got 5-star reviews. If I had known that this was just a woman's personal story and NOT a guide to recovering intuition, I never would have purchased it.

The author's personal story is 3/4 of the book. THREE QUARTERS. Parts were OK, a little was interesting, but come on, I did not buy this book to read about her troubled and sordid life. I've got my own life for that, lol. I wanted a book that would help me increase my own intuition. When I finally got past her story, all that was left was a list of very basic things we all need to do in life anyway, most of which I had already done. Not one thing in this book was helpful to me at all.

Disappointed, but I'll get over it. There are a few authors out there who actually write about increasing your intuition and psychic abilities. This woman doesn't happen to be one of them.

This is the best book written to date relating to opening your intuition.
Colette's own true story in the early part of this book IS truly inspiring,her way with words are as angelic as she.This book will become your companion for Colette takes the reader on an incredible journey of sharing her experiences,and learning and a reawakening of your soul and your intuition with so much love,The exercises she provides to open your intuition presented here are incredibly life changing .I keep finding myself returning to this book...I went to an event in Boston,Mass a few weeks ago where Colette was the co-guest,she should have been the main headliner for she made the show shine..What a vibrant,energetic,loving caring woman..after the show I was afforded the generosity of having my book signed by her(1st in line)and she didn't rush me along like other authors do,she is very,very kind,loving,patient and a beautiful lady with a magnificent soul and her energy vibrates at such a high frequency,wonderfully beautiful energy..All heart and soul and then some!
She personalized my book signing,a rarity these days.This is a must have book for everyone,I cannot state this enough.Hay House please continue with more editions, for this book is of great importance for all.Thank you Colette for one of greatest times in my life.I look forward to more books from this author and I highly recommend her meditation cd-Journey through the Chakras<