In the Land of Water

This collection is an exceptional gathering of works by the great Japanese writer, encompassing various genres of "mini" prose. Realistic novellas and stories set in the contemporary era of the author are interspersed with historical works, exquisitely styled after the brilliant literature of different periods of Japanese Medieval times; these are followed by sad and wise literary fairy tales, philosophical parables, even satirical fantasies, and autobiographical narratives. However, all these texts, wonderfully diverse in genre and style, are infused with Akutagawa's inherent passion for humanity and an extraordinary sharpness in penetrating the most hidden depths of the human mind and soul.