The Secret Window

At the time of his death in 1965, at the age of 79, Tanizaki Junichiro had been writing fiction, plays, essays, poems, and translations almost without interruption for more than fifty-five years. In this series of meditations on seven of Tanizakis novels and novellas, the renowned translator Anthony Chambers focuses on the thread of fantasy that Tanizaki weaves throughout his work. He examines Tanizakis subtle use of storytelling devices to evoke his characters alternate sense of reality and to encourage the readers participation in their fantasies. Employing his intimate knowledge of Tanizakis works, Chambers superbly evokes the beauty and truth Tanizakis characters find in their ideal worlds.