"The book is a completely new translation (by Ted Goossen) of Haruki Murakami's novels HEAR THE WIND SING (originally published in Japan as Kaze no uta o kike in 1979) and PINBALL, 1973 (originally published in Japan as 1973 nen no pinbōru in 1980). Knopf is publishing them together as "WIND/PINBALL" in hardcover in August 2015"

"The debut short novels--nearly thirty years out of print-- by the internationally acclaimed writer, newly retranslated and in one English-language volume for the first time, with a new introduction by the author. These first major works of fiction by Haruki Murakami center on two young men--an unnamed narrator and his friend and former roommate, the Rat. Powerful, at times surreal, stories of loneliness, obsession, and eroticism, these novellas bear all the hallmarks of Murakami's later books, giving us a fascinating insight into a great writer's beginnings, and are remarkable works of fiction in their own right. Here too is an exclusive essay by Murakami in which he explores and explains his decision to become a writer. Prequels to the much-beloved classics A Wild Sheep Chase and Dance Dance Dance, these early works are essential reading for Murakami completists and contemporary fiction lovers alike"-- Provided by publisher.

An omnibus release of the Japanese author's debut short novels, nearly thirty years out of print, includes a retranslation and a first English-language release of stories exploring the loneliness, obsessions, and eroticisms of two young men.