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.

Offers a comprehensive introduction to Japanese literature to western readers.

Product Description: This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience...read more

From its early stories of gods, monsters, and mischievous mythical creatures to its more grounded recountings of historical events, this classic collection of the first literary efforts of the Japanese people is the preeminent source of knowledge about Japanese antiquity. First published in this translation in 1896, includes a history of the Shinto, variations on the basic myths and legends of the nation, and insight into the manners and customs of the early Japanese. Students of folklore and comparative religion as well as those of Japanese history will find this an invaluable resource. British Japanologist and diplomat WILLIAM GEORGE ASTON (1841-1911) was one of the first Europeans to acquire a working understanding of the Japanese language. He served in Japan and Korea in a variety of diplomatic posts, and authored, among other works, Shinto: The Way of the Gods and A History of Japanese Literature.

Product Description: William George Aston (1841-1911) was one of the first Europeans to acquire a practical knowledge of the Japanese language, and his innovative grammars were invaluable sources for those who succeeded him. This set also includes works on Japanese history, literature, and religion. (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: The Asiatic Socity of Japan celebrates its 125th anniversary with the publication of the papers of the great pioneers of early japanology―W.G. Aston, E.M. Satow, and B.H. Chamberlain. Their groundbreaking work, brought to light here for the first time since their original publication in Transactions, will continue to enlighten scholars and students of Japanology today...read more

Product Description: This is the earliest detailed survey of the voluminous Japanese literature published in English, ranging from the Archaic period (before A.D.700) through the nineteenth century romanic fictions, to the socalled Tokyo period ending in 1898.