Since its publication in Japan ten years ago, this book has become a landmark book, playing a pivotal role in defining discussions of modernity in that country. Against history of modern Asian critical theory, this first English publication is sure to have a profound effect on current cultural criticism in the West. It is both the boldest critique of modern Japanese literary history to appear in the postwar era and a major theoretical intervention, calling into question the idea of modernity that informs Western consciousness. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.