Kirjahaku

The diplomat and Japanese and Korean scholar William George Aston (1841–1911) wrote several highly regarded publications, particularly on the Japanese language. Condensed from his more comprehensive 1905 study of the subject, this 1907 work is a brief introduction to Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan. Based on the worship of nature and ancestor spirits, Shinto has evolved throughout its history, particularly under Buddhist and Confucian influence. In the late nineteenth century it played a notable role in the revival of Japanese nationalism, and continued to be central to public life until 1945. This work focuses on describing Shinto's general character, and its myths and practices, drawing on early written sources based on the oral tradition. Aston's work has been criticised for its dependence on philological study of the early texts, but his expertise is undeniable. His groundbreaking History of Japanese Literature (1899) is also reissued in this series.

The diplomat and Japanese and Korean scholar William George Aston (1841–1911) wrote several highly regarded publications, particularly on the Japanese language. This work is a chronological survey of Japanese literature from its early songs to the European-influenced works of the nineteenth century. It covers lyrics, poetry, prose and children's stories, and charts the major themes in the history of Japanese learning. At the time of publication in 1899, Japanese literature was little known to European readers, and Aston is careful to assume no prior knowledge of the subject, focusing instead on the most important works and writers, and providing contextual political and religious detail where necessary. His treatment of contemporary literature, and of works not typically discussed for their literary merit, was groundbreaking. The book as a whole remained unsurpassed for eighty years. Aston's introductory survey of traditional Japanese religion, Shinto (1907), is also reissued in this series.

Shinto: The Way Of The Gods is a comprehensive exploration of the traditional Japanese religion of Shinto. Written by W.G. Aston, a prominent scholar of Japanese culture and language, this book provides a detailed overview of the history, practices, and beliefs of Shinto, as well as its relationship with Japanese society and culture. The book begins with an introduction to the origins of Shinto and its early development in Japan, including its connection to the imperial family and the role of shrines and kami (gods) in Japanese society. It then delves into the various forms of Shinto, such as the folk religion of the common people, the state Shinto of the Meiji period, and the modern revival of Shinto in contemporary Japan. Throughout the book, Aston explores the key concepts and rituals of Shinto, including purification, offerings, and festivals, as well as the role of mythology and folklore in shaping Shinto beliefs. He also examines the relationship between Shinto and other religions, such as Buddhism and Confucianism, and the impact of Westernization on Shinto in the modern era. Overall, Shinto: The Way Of The Gods is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Japanese religion, culture, and history. It provides a detailed and nuanced account of this complex and fascinating tradition, offering insights into its past, present, and future.This Is A New Release Of The Original 1905 Edition.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.