2
fully as Mr. Natsume who, so shrewdly grasping the chance, has established himself with one bound among the best writers of the day. And no wonder; his works are of intrinsic literary worth. He writes in a simple natural style, with crisp figures and phraseology, carrying with it a touch of poetic charm. He sometimes writes such romantic tales as “The Tower of London” and “Maboroshi-no-tate,” etc., and at other times such suggestive stories as “Shumi-no-iden,” “Koto-no-Karane” and “Botchan” etc.. Of all his works, however, the most ingenious one that received its due notice from the public is perhaps his “Wagahai wa Neko de aru” (I am a Cat). It is cleverly written with originality and conviction, and sparks of truth and humor are visible throughout the whole volume. It also reveals the genius with which the writer uses the common daily facts of life in making this excellent bit of literature. Well it deserves a seventh edition.
I was so much taken up with this particular work as to desire to see it translated into English. This desire grew so irresistible that at last, yielding to it, I made the following translation, which covers not the whole work which
