Sources of Japanese Tradition, Vol. 1 (Paperback)

~ Ryusaku Tsunoda (Author), William Theodore de Bary (Author) "The oldest extant annals in Japanese are the Records of Ancient Matters (A.D. 712) and the Chronicles of Japan (720)..." (more)
Key Phrases: Chu Hsi, Sun Goddess, Lao Tzu (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The long awaited second edition, with new contributions reflecting who's who in the field, adds new readings and revisions for a more balanced perspecitve... Sources lives again as a useful introduction that "lets the Japanese speak for themselves."" -- Religious Studies Review

"I am a fan of Volume One of Sources of Japanese Tradition... The daunting task of revisiting such a classic was skillfully handled by the editors." -- Japanese Journal of Religious Studies

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"A tour de force... This book will, as it has for 40 years, be exceedingly useful to a wide variety of entry-level courses in Japanese history, culture, civilization, as well as high-level courses in Japanese thought and religion." -- Joshua Fogel, author of The Nanjing Massacre in History and Historiography

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 506 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (May 15, 1964)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231086040
• ISBN-13: 978-0231086042
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,009,648 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading on traditional Japan, August 14, 2000

By	Theron E Fairchild (Long Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Originally compiled in 1958, this book (Volume I) remains standard issue in most university courses on the study of Japan prior to 1868, whether that class is literature, history, philosophy or anthropology. The editor, Wm. Theodore de Bary, and one of the compilers, Donald Keene (see Keene, "On Familiar Terms") are two of the most highly regarded Western scholars on the subject of Japanese culture and literature, each having devoted an entire lifetime to the subject.

On the whole, Sources of Japanese Tradition, Vol. 1 is a reference book on intellectual development in traditional Japan. It is essential for anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of Japan over a period of time, which means it is not intended as a quick read.

Volume I is mostly an overview of traditional literature, poetry, aesthetics, religion and philosophy from the earliest written works until the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the mid nineteenth century. The chapters are chronological and thematic, and each is prefaced with historical context for better understanding. The chapter bodies consist of translations of some of the most representative works from Japan, including excerpts from Japan's most famous novel, "The Tale of Genji" (early 11th century), as well as numerous samples from the spectrum of Japanese Buddhism (not just Zen), and plenty on the philosophy of neo-Confucianism and other Chinese influences on Japan. On the downside, although there is some discussion of Haiku poetry, there is not enough. And unfortunately, Kabuki, Japan's most popular form of theater, and Japanese painting, which has greatly influenced modern artists in the West, are hardly mentioned, and Japanese music is not even addressed. This makes the book somewhat of a companion to political, social and economic history - which is outstanding if that is what you are looking for.

The book represents the yardstick of compilations on Japanese intellectual history and should not be intimidating to readers who have some knowledge of Japan, nor too simplistic for the more informed. Because it is the old standard bearer, there is a definite need for an updated version that includes more for contemporary audiences, such as better discussions of Kabuki, Haiku and scroll painting. However, the volume is organized well enough for readers to concentrate only on sections they have immediate interest, making the book accessible to a variety of readers who seek a broader understanding of traditional Japanese culture and intellectual history.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sourcebook of ancient Japan, August 11, 2000

By	Michael P. McGarry (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is wonderful introduction to Japanese history. It covers Japan from the earliest sources through the late Tokugawa Shogunate in the 18th century. The sources trace political, social, artistic, philosophic, and religious trends throughout Japanese history, in the words of the Japanese of those former periods. Selections from all the important source material for Japanese history are assembled in this book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, esp. for reference, but could use a few maps, February 18, 2009

By	Larry West "Geek" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sources of Japanese Tradition (Second Edition), Volume One: From Earliest Times to 1600 (Hardcover)

I find this book very readable (and I'm reading it for pleasure/interest). It would probably be helpful to read this after or while reading a general Japanese history, though.

However, for a western reader, the unfamiliar place names do make it a bit of a memory exercise.

Perhaps that exercise is a good thing. And in any case, I do enjoy searching on the internet for such things. But often I just want to read uninterruptedly, without piling up notes of things to check.

So on balance I think it would be a major help, at minor cost, to add perhaps a half-dozen pages of maps from various eras. Japan, Korea, nearby China.