He was a short, nervous, tightly-wound man. He always wore a coat and tie, most usually a bow tie—his dress was fastidious—which made him look like an accountant. His face was usually glistening with perspiration. His speech was somewhat pained, as if someone were forcing him to say words he never would have said otherwise.
Some of us were fortunate to cross paths with instructors such as Prof. Seidensticker. Just as some of us also regret not being a little more mature to make the best of it at the time. But we remember them and if we continue reading and exploring literature with them in mind, their work is done.
This is wonderful, Richard. He sounds quietly fantastic and I will add his translation of The Tale of Genji to my pretty much (embarressingly) untouched Japanese shelf. I came across The PIllow Book and loved it, and led some Zuihitsu writing sessions for a while - meaning "follow the pen" as you probably know. Then got into haiku and bought a book called The Land We Saw, The Times We Knew - an anthology of Zuihitsu that I simple HAD to have, but am yet to read. I'll let you know when it happens. Feels like a book to take away somewhere to savour. Really great post. I love his words: “Now,” he said, “if that doesn’t move you, there’s little I can do for you.”
I am woefully ignorant of Japanese poetry(& literature, culture...) I wish I could have had such an impassioned teacher to awaken me. Oh, wait, you just did! 😊
This is a wonderful tribute to a teacher who made a lasting difference.
Could he have been related to the novelist Pearl Buck? Her maiden name was Sydenstricker, and her parents, Absalom and Caroline, were Presbyterian missionaries in China.
Very nice story, Richard.
Some of us were fortunate to cross paths with instructors such as Prof. Seidensticker. Just as some of us also regret not being a little more mature to make the best of it at the time. But we remember them and if we continue reading and exploring literature with them in mind, their work is done.
That is so true! Terrible student as I was, I got so much from him! What doors he opened.
This is wonderful, Richard. He sounds quietly fantastic and I will add his translation of The Tale of Genji to my pretty much (embarressingly) untouched Japanese shelf. I came across The PIllow Book and loved it, and led some Zuihitsu writing sessions for a while - meaning "follow the pen" as you probably know. Then got into haiku and bought a book called The Land We Saw, The Times We Knew - an anthology of Zuihitsu that I simple HAD to have, but am yet to read. I'll let you know when it happens. Feels like a book to take away somewhere to savour. Really great post. I love his words: “Now,” he said, “if that doesn’t move you, there’s little I can do for you.”
Thank you, Marnie. I see you have a really enviable-looking writing retreat coming up in, I think, Norway soon.
Yes, Norway in September - really looking forward to it :)
I am woefully ignorant of Japanese poetry(& literature, culture...) I wish I could have had such an impassioned teacher to awaken me. Oh, wait, you just did! 😊
My work is done!
This is a wonderful tribute to a teacher who made a lasting difference.
Could he have been related to the novelist Pearl Buck? Her maiden name was Sydenstricker, and her parents, Absalom and Caroline, were Presbyterian missionaries in China.
Thanks, Laura. I really don't know if he was related!
"Wonderful. Wonderful.”
Thanks, John.
Beautiful piece, Rich! What an homage. I don't recall your talking about Professor Seidensticker -- very glad to be introduced now.
Thanks, Brenda! I may not have talked about him. I hadn't thought of him in a long time.