The novel “The Golden Temple” by the famous Japanese writer Yukio Mishima is a masterpiece, deservedly recognized as the most widely read work of Japanese literature in the world. It is based on a real event: in 1950, a young monk burned down the famous Golden Temple in Kyoto. Under the writer's pen, this story turns into a fascinating parable about the great and destructive power of beauty. The novel is translated by Grigory Chkhartishvili (Boris Akunin).