Eiji Yoshikawa

Eiji Yoshikawa (吉川 英治 Yoshikawa Eiji, August 11, 1892 - September 7, 1962) was a Japanese historical novelist, who is mostly retelling existing stories. Among his most well-known novels, most are revisions of past works. For instance the original manuscript of Taiko is about 15 volumes, so Yoshikawa took up the job to retell it in close and accessible language. His other books also serve similar purposes and although most of his novels aren't orignal, he had created huge amount of work and renewed the interest for the past times. He was awarded the Cultural Order of Merit in 1960 and the Mainichi Art Award just before his death in 1962, of cancer. Deservingly he is cited as one of the best Japanese and World-wide historical novelists.

English translations

Four of his books have been translated into English. They are:

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• Miyamoto Musashi translated as Musashi by Charles S. Terry ISBN 4-7700-1957-2
• Taiko ki translated as Taiko: An Epic Novel of War and Glory in Feudal Japan by William Scott Wilson ISBN 4-7700-2609-9
• Shin Heike monogatari translated as The Heike Story: A Modern Translation of the Classic Tale of Love and War by Fuki Wooyenaka Uramatsu. Illustrated by Kenkichi Sugimoto. ISBN 0-8048-3318-4
• Wasurenokori no ki translated as Fragments of a Past: A Memoir by Edwin McClellan ISBN 4-7700-2064-3