The Secret History Of The Lord

Among the acclaimed works by the unique Tanizaki, these two novellas stand out as his personal favourites. "The Secret History of the Lord of Musashi" delves into the sinister sexual fixations of a 16th-century feudal lord, whose initiation into the gruesome rituals accompanying warfare occurs by chance during his youth. The narrative, crafted from fictitious documents interwoven with elements of historical truth, masterfully strikes a balance between irony, melodrama, sophistication, and savagery. In contrast, "Arrowroot" explores the theme of legendary pursuits, albeit in a distinctively different manner. Presented in the specifically Japanese style of an "essay novel," this tale merges the journeys of two friends venturing into the hills south of Kyoto—one tracing the footsteps of an ancient legend, the other seeking connections to a more modern, personal history. As observed by the New York Times, after two decades devoted to writing traditional novels, Tanizaki seamlessly integrated his fascination with classic Japanese narratives and innovative storytelling to create a distinctive literary form.