I myself have the Vintage Classics releases of the series. Michael Gallagher does fantastic translations for this tetralogy. It is important to retain the beauty of Mishima's words (my Japanese teacher agrees, in Japanese, the works are beautiful) and Gallagher does exceptionally well. Many times I've paused in my reading to truely admire the words; if that happens in English, I can only imagine their power in their native tongue.
This extract is just a tip of the iceberg. The first book Spring Snow is beautiful, there are no words to describe just how much. Unfortunatly I've leant it to a friend so I couldn't quote it at the moment.
To really understand Mishima one must read Confessions of a Mask. Although he furiously denied it was an autobiography it does give you a great describtion of who the man was (its too true to his life to not be him.)
Though it is funny you should point out his love for kendo. This flourishes through into Runaway Horses, however in Spring Snow and Acts of Worship, he seems to slate the art, if it were.
Mishima was a great character. Deep, very different and very troubled. And what a glorious way to die!
I encourage everyone who absolutely loves imagery and beauty to read all his work.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2008-08-19 11:35 am (UTC)This extract is just a tip of the iceberg. The first book Spring Snow is beautiful, there are no words to describe just how much. Unfortunatly I've leant it to a friend so I couldn't quote it at the moment.
To really understand Mishima one must read Confessions of a Mask. Although he furiously denied it was an autobiography it does give you a great describtion of who the man was (its too true to his life to not be him.)
Though it is funny you should point out his love for kendo. This flourishes through into Runaway Horses, however in Spring Snow and Acts of Worship, he seems to slate the art, if it were.
Mishima was a great character. Deep, very different and very troubled. And what a glorious way to die!
I encourage everyone who absolutely loves imagery and beauty to read all his work.