The page count for No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai typically varies depending on the specific edition, publisher, and whether it is a translated version or the original Japanese text. However, a widely recognized and common page count for many English translated editions is 175 pages.
Understanding Page Count Variations
It's important to note that the number of pages in a book can differ due to several factors:
- Translation vs. Original Language: Translated versions, particularly into English, often have different page counts than the original Japanese text. This is because Japanese characters (kanji, hiragana, katakana) and their spacing differ significantly from the Latin alphabet. While a common translated version of No Longer Human is 175 pages, it's generally understood that the original Japanese version might span more pages due to the structure and density of its writing.
- Publisher and Edition: Different publishing houses might format the same text differently, leading to variations in page count. Factors such as font size, margins, line spacing, and the inclusion of additional content (e.g., introductions, translator's notes, appendices) can all affect the total number of pages.
- Binding Type: Hardcover, paperback, and e-book versions can also present different page counts, though this is primarily a formatting effect rather than a change in content length.
Common Editions and Page Counts
For English readers, the most prevalent edition of No Longer Human is often the one translated by Donald Keene. This translation is widely published by New Directions Publishing, and its paperback edition commonly features 175 pages.
Here's a brief overview of typical page counts for common editions:
| Edition Type | Common Page Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English (Keene) | 175 pages | Widely available translated version (e.g., New Directions). |
| Other Translations | Varies | Some lesser-known or older translations might have different counts. |
| Original Japanese | Potentially more | Formatting of Japanese text can lead to different page counts. |
Where to Find More Information
To check the exact page count for a specific edition of No Longer Human, it's always best to refer to:
- The publisher's official website (e.g., New Directions Publishing).
- Online book retailers (e.g., Amazon, Barnes & Noble) which often list detailed product specifications.
- Book database sites like Goodreads or Wikipedia, which typically list page counts for various editions.
In summary, while specific page counts can vary, the 175-page mark is a very common and definitive answer for many translated editions of Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human.
