Author
James S. (James Seguin) De Benneville
1867-1943
James S. (James Seguin) De Benneville (1867-1943) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by James S. (James Seguin) De Benneville
Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House), Retold from the Japanese Originals Tales of the Tokugawa, Volume 2 (of 2)
"Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House), Retold from the Japanese Originals" by James S. De Benneville is a collection of supernatural tales that draw from Japanese folklore, likely composed during the early 20th century. It explores the eerie and the supernatural within the setting of Edo, entwining historical elements with themes of ghostly apparitions, societal hierarchy, and cultural practices. Core characters include Rokuzo, a good-natured servant, and Aoyama Shu[u]zen, who navigate the complexities of their world interlaced with dark and unsettling supernatural happenings. At the start of the book, the narrative introduces Rokuzo, a servant who contemplates his day as he travels home, reflecting on his thirst and social environment. He encounters a beautiful young woman struggling with a heavy burden, which he gallantly offers to help carry. This eventually leads him to a lavish residence where he is treated well, indulged in wine and food, but finds himself caught in a confusing and surreal situation marked by the supernatural. The beginning sets the tone for a world where the boundary between the mundane and the spectral is thin, inviting readers into tales that blend everyday life with Japan's rich tradition of ghost stories.
The Yotsuya Kwaidan or O'Iwa Inari Tales of the Tokugawa, Volume 1 (of 2)
"The Yotsuya Kwaidan or O'Iwa Inari" by James S. De Benneville is a fictional work, likely written in the early 20th century. This tale explores themes of love, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of vengeful spirits, centering around the character O'Iwa, who becomes a tragic figure driven by rage after experiencing deep betrayal from those she loved. The narrative is entrenched in Japanese folklore and offers insight into the traditional concepts of ghosts and their interactions with the living. The opening of "The Yotsuya Kwaidan" introduces the setting of Edo during the Tokugawa period, where the shrine of O'Iwa Inari stands as a testament to the belief in the supernatural. O'Iwa, a figure caught in a tragic web of betrayal, is poised to exact vengeance on those who conspire against her. The narrative explains the social context of her story, delving into the bureaucratic life of minor officials and hinting at the underlying tensions and intrigues that pervade their world. As we are introduced to O'Iwa's backstory and the dynamics of her relationships, the stage is set for the unfolding drama that intertwines love, tragedy, and the inevitable desire for revenge.