My brother Hideo Kobayashi

the long version

"My Brother Hideo Kobayashi was published in 1985 and is a memoir by Junko Takamizawa of her older brother, the critic Hideo Kobayashi (1902-1983). Kobayaski was the most brilliant critic of his generation, and one of the most distinguished critics of twentieth-century Japan. His criticism, which was expounded in a large number of essays and books published throughout his lifetime, covered literature, art, music, history, thought and belles lettres. Kobayashi did not confine himself to Japan but wrote extensively on the West and its culture as well. His sister's memoir provides us with an affectionate and moving portrait of the private man, and his relationships with his family and friends: the human being behind the genius, as it were." "This book complements the studies and translations of Kobayashi's criticism, which are now starting to appear in English. Professor James Wada is an expert on Kobayashi, and his translation is an accurate and readable rendition of the original text. There is also an introduction to Kobayashi by Leith Morton outlining Kobayashi's life and works in an attempt to explain the significance of this important figure in Japanese intellectual history."--BOOK JACKET.