7. Mt Fuji from the Foot

"It is difficult, before the ancient powers of the Ring of Fire, not to stand with some trepidation, sliding back through geological eons to times of creation and destruction when new lands were formed. The great outpourings, the bomblike flash and dazzle, the dance of the lightnings like a crown . . ."

- from 24 Views

Happy were those who dwelt within the eye
Of the volcanoes, and their mountain torch:
A fearful hope was all the world contained;
Forests were set on fire - but hour by hour
They fell and faded - and the crackling trunks
Extinguished with a crash - and all was black.

- from Darkness, by Lord Byron

This print is generally known as "Red Fuji". After the "Great Wave" (see #18), this print is the best known of the series. It attracted much critical attention on its release, as the red color of the mountain was an innovation. The original title is Gaifu Kaisei (凱風快晴), which means "Fine Wind, Clear Sky", but Zelazny's character Mari saw it in a more baleful light.