japanese literature research. Could you help me?

Hi everyone! I am an italian student who's currently writing her thesis on literature comparation between an italian author and a japanese one (Ihara Saikaku). In order to understand how different these workpieces are differently perceived in their countries, I need people who studied in japanese highschools or colleges to give me their opinion reguarding these questions:

  1. Do you know who Ihara Saikaku is? How did you find out about him?
  2. Have you ever read "好色一代男"? What do you think of this novel?

I don't mean to bother anyone but it would be quite helpful for me since I can't find my answers online and I've only got one japanese friend ( I just need to hear other people's opinion), but I will be using these opinions in my research, therefore please answer only if you are comfortable with that!

皆さん、ありがとうございます!

by Repulsive_Shine_5749