Kottō : being Japanese curios, with sundry cobwebs


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.7 stars; 35 reviews)

Kottō contains 20 Japanese stories, collected from different sources and translated by Lafcadio Hearn. The types of stories in this collection are widespread: There are old ghost stories Hearn is best known for (The Legend of Yurei-Daki), his own observations and musings (Pathological), as well as the translation of 'A Woman's Diary', a touching account of the life of the poorer classes in Tokyo, written at the end of the 19th century. (Summary by Availle) (4 hr 19 min)

Chapters

The Legend Of Yurei-Daki 6:05 Read by Scott Carpenter
In a Cup of Tea 7:19 Read by Nadine Eckert-Boulet
Common Sense 6:31 Read by Scott Carpenter
Ikiryō 10:04 Read by Ruth Golding
Shiryō 6:39 Read by Ana
The Story of O-Kamé 8:06 Read by summerdaze
Story of a Fly 5:27 Read by Scott Carpenter
Story of a Pheasant 5:18 Read by summerdaze
The Story of Chūgōro 10:23 Read by Nadine Eckert-Boulet
A Woman's Diary, Part 1 35:34 Read by Availle
A Woman's Diary, Part 2 33:41 Read by Availle
Heiké-gani 4:36 Read by summerdaze
Fireflies 38:44 Read by Scott Carpenter
A Drop of Dew 6:41 Read by Scott Carpenter
Gaki 25:06 Read by Scott Carpenter
A Matter of Custom 5:18 Read by Eine-von-Vier
Revery 13:06 Read by Martin Geeson
Pathological 6:23 Read by Availle
In the Dead of the Night 6:18 Read by Nadine Eckert-Boulet
Kusa-Hibari 9:41 Read by David Barnes
The Eater of Dreams 8:41 Read by Scott Carpenter

Reviews

A Real Gem


(5 stars)

These stories are amazingly beautiful and often quite poignant. You will fall in love with this audiobook! Check out wiki about the author--he was a real character. I was listening to these tales at night and found myself getting quite caught up in their timeless, wistful quality. Wow. Another 5 stars for the book and the readers. Thanks, Librivox.

A dreamscape of beauty


(5 stars)

Thank you for this inspiring reading

Days gone by


(4 stars)

Lafcadio Hearn is renowned for his dedication to preserving Japanese myths and legends while making them accessible to a global audience. His translations are notable for including the original Japanese text, which not only ensures authenticity but also facilitates comparisons between various interpretations. This approach is particularly important due to the intricate nature of the Japanese language. By incorporating the original text alongside his translations, Hearn enhances the accessibility of these cultural works to the general public, particularly to the Japanese-speaking audience. The fables and additional writings included in this collection provide valuable insights into Japanese life from centuries past. Hearn's commitment to safeguarding these cultural narratives is worthy of recognition and appreciation.


(3.5 stars)

What happened to the Mary Ann Spiegel sections? Went back to re-listen & new reader for her sections. Disappointed!

it definitely held my interest and I enjoyed the readers


(4 stars)

canvery good especially the cricket story, hauntingly sad


(5 stars)