I recently bought a Japanese edition of some of this material, thinking that I was getting close to the point in my language study of being able to read it. Now that I have Japandemonium, I have to laugh at that idea. As it turns out, for Seiken's work to make sense you need a lot more than just the words and the sentence structure. And this book gives you what you need.
True, the text for some of the illustrations consists of fairly straightforward descriptions. (My favorite: "The Nobusuma is essentially a flying squirrel. Its shape resembles a bat, covered in fur and with webbed wings. Its four limbs are short and its claws long. It eats nuts, and also fire.") But for many of them, if they're going to be more than just odd pictures, you definitely need the additional material that Yoda and Alt have researched and written for this volume. Especially in the early sections, some of the illustrations have no explanation at all. Others have text all right, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense - for one short example, the entire text with one picture is "They say Raigo's spirit transformed into a plague of rats." Uh, OK, and? Maybe in Seiken's time it was obvious who Raigo was and what he has to do with this picture, but the modern reader has no clue. In the commentary on each illustration and in the excellent introduction, Yoda and Alt provide us with all the cultural, historic, and linguistic background (there's lots of wordplay, too) we need.
The book is also very visually pleasing, both the reproduction of the art and the layout. Obviously necessary for the library of a yokai fiend like me, this book is also worth taking a look at if you're a history buff with an interest in this period in Japan even if you don't already know much about the folklore. Also highly recommended for anyone with a serious interest in weird folkloric creatures of any culture.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the Publisher
Visit www.doverpublications for more books on the culture and traditions of Japan.
Perfect for Yokai Lovers
The book is has the illustrations of Toriyama Sekien, the illustrations are small yet serviceable (about 3/4 of the page), but the margins are filled with the translations of Sekien's notes. Sorry about the quality of the picture, but hopefully it shows how the book is formatted. The translations vary in length, depends on how much Sekien wrote about the illustration. Even Sekien's forward is translated. If you love yokai or looking to learn more about the superstitious side of Japan that is often ignored by school curriculums, this is a great book for it!
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2019
The book is has the illustrations of Toriyama Sekien, the illustrations are small yet serviceable (about 3/4 of the page), but the margins are filled with the translations of Sekien's notes. Sorry about the quality of the picture, but hopefully it shows how the book is formatted. The translations vary in length, depends on how much Sekien wrote about the illustration. Even Sekien's forward is translated. If you love yokai or looking to learn more about the superstitious side of Japan that is often ignored by school curriculums, this is a great book for it!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2017
My only complaint is that the cover seems to be easily damaged. Mine came with some minor wear and tear despite being a new product. I intend to bring this to discussion panels to pass around while I talk about yokai, so I already prepped myself mentally for this to happen.
My only complaint is that the cover seems to be easily damaged. Mine came with some minor wear and ...
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2017
A must for any interested in Japanese monsters! Each page has the scans from Seikien's works with ample area dedixated to the sides for translations and cultural notes.Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2017
My only complaint is that the cover seems to be easily damaged. Mine came with some minor wear and tear despite being a new product. I intend to bring this to discussion panels to pass around while I talk about yokai, so I already prepped myself mentally for this to happen.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Bruno Garcia
Produto de qualidade e entregue no prazo
CorvoNero
interesting book but very unpleasant layout. please fix and release improved version.
CorvoNero
Reviewed in Germany on July 19, 2020
i've returned the book but i would buy it again when these issues were fixed.
Images in this review
