The World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Ancient Japan (Kodansha Globe) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "IN 784 the emperor gave orders that his capital should be moved from the temple city of Heijo (Nara), where it had been during most..." (more)
Key Phrases: directional taboos, official concubine, shining prince, Pillow Book, Prince Genji, Murasaki Shikibu (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Morris's classic was first published in 1964.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A thoughtful scholar’s reconstruction…a book which should delight anyone interested in Japan." -- Oliver Statler, THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"I cannot think of another work, born in academia, that can so justifiable be described as ‘enthralling’." -- Barbara Ruch, Professor of Japanese Literature and Culture, Columbia

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha Globe; First Paper Edition edition (June 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568360290
• ISBN-13: 978-1568360294
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #174,476 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything about Heian Japan in One Place!, November 15, 1998

By A Customer

Are you reading The Tale of Genji or Sei Shonagon's Pillow Book and just don't get it? Are you a historical re-enactor seeking information on what life was really like in the Heian period? Do you just want to read about Japanese court history in a fun and friendly format? Well, Ivan Morris has written a book for you. The World of the Shining Prince tells you everything you ever wanted to know about court life in the mid-tenth to mid-eleventh centuries. It explains court politics, society, economics, religion, superstitions, sex, marriage, ritual, the Heian calendar, the classes of society, and so much more. Although no subject is dealt with in intricate detail, it is a wonderful place to start. Dr. Morris' bibliography suggests many source works for further reading.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to Heian Japan, October 1, 2000

By	Jadepearl "geezer geek" (Wandering, USA) - See all my reviews

Though the book is over 30 years old this is still the best introduction to ancient Heian Japan available in English. Everything is covered from the politics, religious beliefs, and economic structures of Heian society. Because it is an introduction it does not go to such detail that it overwhelms, but strikes a good balance for the beginning scholar.

The angle of emphasis is from Murasaki Skikibu's _Tale of Genji_ and the height of the culture from the middle of the 10th to the middle 11th century. Using a mix of textual evidence in works like the Pillow Book, Genji and the Sarashima Diary and scholarly work by Ikeda it is a well documented and well argued work.

Morris also deals with various schools of criticism regarding Genji and its world, including Genji as femenist protest, and whether Genji was really written by Murasaki.

Overall, a very good introductory work that will lead one to read deeper in the field. Highly recommended for those who are starting to read Classic Japanese prose and poetry. This book will provide you with an understanding of the context and world of a long bygone era.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely invaluable! Read BEFORE reading "Tale of Genji", January 4, 2002

By	"jmcwells" (Manhattan Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Social/historical study of various *aspects* (not a true "history") of Heian Japan that really, REALLY helps one understand the behavior/attitudes of the characters in "Tale of Genji"! The "Genji" genealogical charts & character listing in the appendices - by themselves - justify the price (keep it at your side when reading Genji!). Furthermore, the book is entertaining to read as the author actually knows how to write well. I would also recommend this book to anyone that didn't plan to read "Genji" but was curious about that period of Japanese culture.

AND - if you are a student that has an assignment to read GENJI and don't have time to read all of the 900+ pages of the original - you could probably fake your way through any exam after reading this! (And will later be curious enough to slog through the original).

I will probably read this book a second time.