Читать книгу Needle-Watcher - Richard Blaker - Страница 8

PUBLISHER'S FOREWORD

The Needle-Watcher was first published in 1932 and quickly attracted the attention of discerning critics, who commended it not only for the excellence of its writing but also for its remarkable re-creation of early-seventeenth-century Japan, which was then little known to the West. It seems only fair that this fascinating novel should once again be made available to the general reader, particularly in a time when interest in Japan has become world-wide.

The book reconstructs the story of Will Adams, a native of Gillingham, in Kent, England, who voyaged to Japan at the beginning of the seventeenth century. His knowledge of seafaring vessels at the time causes him to be taken into the favor of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu, and eventually to become recognized as the founder of the Japanese navy. It is a thoroughly absorbing tale, perhaps sometimes incredible but always true to the known historical facts.

Adams was one of the most picturesque and daring of Britain's maritime traders, and this depiction of him as the first Englishman to settle in what was then a hostile land is written not only with distinction but also with an imaginative grasp that takes it right out of the class of the ordinary historical novel. It is an epic tale of strange adventures, and it creates an atmosphere of rare and haunting quality. In its understanding of the Japanese mind it is hardly less than superb.

Will Adams died in Japan in 1620 and is buried at Yokosuka. Every year a ceremony is still held to commemorate the anniversary of his death. There is also a memorial to him at Ito, in Shizuoka Prefecture, as well as one at his birthplace in England.

It is a pleasure indeed to bring this splendid novel once again to the attention of discriminating readers—especially to readers with an intelligent interest in Japan and its history.