Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan: First Series

by Lafcadio Hearn

"Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan: First Series" by Lafcadio Hearn is a collection of travel sketches published in 1894. Drawing from his first years in Japan between 1890 and 1893, Hearn presents impressionistic portraits of a nation he found mysterious and enchanting. The work explores Japanese religion, folklore, landscapes, and daily life, celebrating what he saw as an ancient civilization untouched by Western influence. His romantic vision both captivated and later sparked debate about how the West perceives the East.