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Rashōmon and other stories

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Ryunosuke Akutagawa rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential modern Japanese writers. He is known as 'the father of the Japanese short story' and 'Rashōmon is his best-known work. Presented with a new introduction by Seiji Lippit, Rashōmon and Other Stories is a collection of six popular works by the writer.

In a Grove: An iconic, contradictory tale of a samurai's murder near Kyoto told through three varying accounts. Rashomon: A masterless samurai contemplates a life of crime as he encounters an old woman at Kyoto's old Rashomon gate. Yam Gruel: A low-ranking court official laments his position all the while yearning for his favorite, yet humble, dish. The Martyr: During Japan's Christian missionary era, a boy is excommunicated for fathering an illegitimate child but not is all that it seems. Kesa and Morito: An adulterous couple plots to kill the woman's husband as the situation threatens to spin out of control. The Dragon: A priest concocts a prank involving a dragon but the tall tale begins to take on a life of its own.

The renowned Japanese director Akira Kurosawa based his iconic film Rashōmon in part on Akutagawa's story of the same name. While Akutagawa set much of his work in medieval Japan, he often employed themes familiar to modern readers. This has never been more apparent than in the striking stories in this volume, all of which resonate today as strongly as they did when they were first published.


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An <em>anti-racist</em> social enterprise bookstore specialising in BIPOC books.
About Amplify Bookstore

An anti-racist social enterprise bookstore specialising in BIPOC books.

Only about 11% of books published are by BIPOC authors — so unless you specifically seek out books by BIPOC authors, you aren't likely to find very many of them organically. At Amplify, BIPOC authors are highlighted and celebrated. Here, they don't have to fight to be seen, and you don't have to fight to find them.

We hope that in our shop, you can discover a new favourite read, find stories that speak uniquely to you, learn about a culture outside your own (or more about your own histories), and gain a better understanding of the systems that connect us all.

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I’ve discovered so many new-to-me authors and the owners are so generous in their recommendations. Don’t follow the trends, set them! - let Amplify broaden your reading and sharpen your mind.

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If you're looking to expand your book collection to hear voices, perspectives and stories that aren't on blast from mainstream outlets then make your way here as quickly as you can.

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Within are thoughtfully curated books, and I was amazed to see a great diversity of authors. The atmosphere is cosy, calm and relaxed – just the perfect way to start my Sunday!

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I loved how inclusive this space was, there were dyslexia friendly books and a space for books about queer love, a bit of something for everyone.

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