Japan Through the Looking Glass

by Alan Macfarlane

Overview

This entertaining and endlessly surprising book takes us on an exploration into every aspect of Japanese society from the most public to the most intimate. A series of meticulous investigations gradually uncovers the multi-faceted nature of a country and people who are even more extraordinary than they seem. Our journey encompasses religion, ritual, martial arts, manners, eating, drinking, hot baths, geishas, family, home, singing, wrestling, dancing, performing, clans, education, aspiration, sexes, generations, race, crime, gangs, terror, war, kindness, cruelty, money, art, imperialism, emperor, countryside, city, politics, government, law and a language that varies according to whom you are speaking. Clear-sighted, persistent, affectionate, unsentimental and honest - Alan Macfarlane shows us Japan as it has never been seen before.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781861979674
Publisher:	IPS - Profile Books
Publication date:	02/01/2009
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Alan Macfarlane is Professor of Anthropology at Cambridge. He has often visited and taught in Japan. He is the author of The Glass Bathyscaphe and Japan Through the Looking Glass.

Editorial Reviews

“A well-informed analysis of Japanese culture and society.”—The Independent

“A disarming, engaging, and provocative book.”—Andrew Barshay, University of California, Berkeley

From the Publisher