THE JAPANESE: People of the Three Treasures

by Robert Newman ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 20, 1964

The author has done juvenile readers a service by exploring the Orient's contribution to codes of chivalry at an age level where Medieval Europe has a corner n the knighthood market. The facts of ancient Japanese history interspersed with legend lead to an examination of the Age of Samurai and the Bushido code, highlighting the similarities and underlining the differences between Eastern and Western civilizations. The three treasures of the title are the mirror, the jewel and the sword, gifts from the legendary gods to the Japanese ruling family and still among their emblems of royalty; the mirror symbolizes self-knowledge; the jewel, a respect for natural beauty; the sword, a blending of the first two qualities and ""the soul of Samurai"". The book is an overview of Japanese history to date told through its changing traditions. The black and white illustrations of Mamoru Funai are generous in size and Oriental in aspect Maps. A table of important dates in Japanese history. Notes on pronunciation. Index. Suggestions for further reading (mostly adult books).

Pub Date: March 20, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION