Mister Timeless Blyth

Imprisoned as a conscientious objector during the first World War and interned as an enemy alien in Japan during the second, RH Blyth was a poet, a scholar, a musician, a linguist and a man of  Zen who became a teacher to an emperor. Ultimately, he became the key link and mediator between the Japanese Imperial Household and the occupying American forces. He spent the better part of his lifetime building bridges between East and West and was an influence on a whole generation of American writers – Ginsberg, Salinger, Keroauc, Snyder – through his translations of Japanese haiku. He was, in many ways, a man who changed the world. Mister Timeless Blyth is his story.

In this book launch, Alan Spence shared insights into the development of the story, from his connection with Japan and a lifelong love of Blyth’s work, to the time spent in Japan conducting research and the wonderful coincidences leading him where he needed to go. Alan also read extracts from the book, opening to a discussion and Q&A with the audience.

Copies of Mister Timeless Blyth were on sale at the event . There are a limited number of copies remaining, available to purchase at £18.99. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact events@dajf.org.uk.

Book Reviews:
– The Scotsman
– The Herald

A recording of this event can be viewed here:

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