The Firefly's Lovers and Other Fairy Tales of Old Japan

William Elliot Griffis (1843-1928) was the leading American scholar on Japanese history and culture at the turn of the century. In 1908, he penned this captivating book, which contains twenty charming folktales that he felt captured the true spirit of Old Japan. Some of the tales he took directly from Japanese folklore, others he adapted from Japanese legends, operas, art, and customs. A few are based solely on Griffis' own experiences with Japanese life and culture. This volume is a photo-reproduction of the original 1908 edition. It includes color reproductions of all the original illustrations, which were beautifully executed by Decorative Designers, an influential graphic design firm active during the late 19th and early 20th century.