Sources of Japanese Tradition, Vol. 1

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.