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Naoya Shiga, the author of the following and other stories in this book, was born in the 16th year of Meiji (1883), in the town of Ishinomaki, in the province of Miyagi, Japan.

He was educated at the Peers’ School in Tokyo, and after graduating from there, he entered the College of Literature of the Tokyo Imperial University, but did not quite finish his course in that institution.

He first became known by the publication of ‘Shirakaba,’ which was edited in conjunction with Mr. Mushakoji, and the late Mr. Takeo Arishima.

His writing is serene and straightforward, and he is moderate in his opinions. He shows an extremely tender heart, and loves justice.

He is a ‘realist’ in style, and is always careful in his selection of subjects. His remarkable simplicity of expression has stamped him as an artist.

His best-known stories are as follows:—

‘Wakai’ (Reconciliation), ‘Haha no Shi to Atarashii HahaHaha’ [sic] (The Mother’s Death and the New Mother), ‘An-ya Koro’ (Walking through Dark Streets), etc., etc.

He lives now in Nara, one of the famous old capitals of Japan, and is very very popular as a short story writer.

ERIC S. BELL.