- A talented yet spiteful painter is given over to depravity in pursuit of artistic brilliance.
- In the depth of hell, a robber spies a single spider's thread being lowered towards him.
- When a body is found in an isolated bamboo grove, a kaleidoscopic account of violence and desire begins to unfold.
These are short stories from an unparalleled master of the form. Sublimely crafted and stylishly original, Akutagawa's writing is shot through with a fantastical sensibility. This collection, in a vivid translation by Bryan Karetnyk, brings together the most essential works from this iconic Japanese writer. Part of the Pushkin Press Classics series: outstanding classic storytelling from around the world, in a stylishly original series design. From newly rediscovered gems to fresh translations of the world's greatest authors, this series includes such authors as Stefan Zweig, Hermann Hesse, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa and Gaito Gazdanov.