Customer Reviews

Sources of Japanese Tradition, Vol. 2

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This book is a wonderful compilation by some of the most prolific and knowledgeable authorities on the field. It great gives great insight into the foundations of Japanese tradition. Especially the influences of Shinto/animism, Buddhism, and China are thoroughly fleshed out. The book provides translations of portions of key historical and religious texts, providing ample explanations without forcing us to read through the whole texts. This allows us to focus on the main purpose of the book. Providing an historical lens with which to view Japanese society and tradition. Keep in mind though, its not a work for the completely uninitiated. The book takes an academic tone and will require you to read through some longer passages of writing written in the style of court records as was the fashion in earlier Japanese and Chinese historical writing. Great piece of academic literature and rather affordable compared to textbooks out there with similar subject matter.

This book is a wonderful introduction to modern Japanese history. It is an anthology of important sources, beginning with the Shinto revival of the 18th century, through the Meiji Period, World War II, into the 1950s. This is an invaluable reference work for anyone concerned with Japan's development over the last two centuries.

I got this book for a class. It's actually quite interesting if you enjoy history and east Asian history specifically.