Author profile: Ivan Ira Esme Morris

Ivan Ira Esme Morris studied Japanese language and culture at Harvard University, followed by the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He wrote widely on modern and ancient Japan and translated numerous classical and modern literary works, including The World of the Shining Prince (recipient of the Duff Cooper Award), The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon and As I Crossed A Bridge of Dreams, among others.

He served on the faculty of Columbia University from 1960 to 1973, and was chairman of the Department of East Asian languages and Cultures from 1966 to 1969. He was also one of the founders of Amnesty International USA, serving on its Board of Directors. As a friend of Yukio Mishima, he is said to have written this book partially to place Mishima’s death in historical context, and dedicated the book to Mishima’s memory.

Ivan Morris died in 1976, but retains his position as one of the foremost scholars in the field.