Customer Reviews

Religions of the World - Shinto(Religions of the World)

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Clear, well organized and an easy read, this book is an excellent introduction to Japan's native religion. Sections are a well organized range starting form the history of Shinto, to its mythological roots, and its rituals to its place in the last century. Despite this berth of subject matter the book occasionally feels as if the author is hiding behind his works cited rather than forming original conclusions. Though disappointing at first this is understandable if we read the author's short biography on the final pages. Kallen having written more than 150 works for young readers is obviously an expert in writing youth oriented non-fiction, NOT an expert in Shinto. This fact worried me slightly, because one does not known how far to trust the particulars of the work. However for projects and quick and concise reference, particularly for a basic grounding in the concepts of Shinto it is an excellent reference. This book has no pretensions of being academia's bench mark reference for Shinto, but it is an excellent start for those of us who don't have a degree in East Asian Studies. A must have for any school library.