Shinto: Origins, Rituals, Festivals, Spirits, Sacred Places

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 112 pages
• Published by: Oxford University Press, USA May 2, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0195218868
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0195218862
• Book Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 12.6 ounces

From Publishers Weekly
This is an outstanding introduction to the Japanese religion Shinto ("spirit way"), exploring its syncretistic affinities with Buddhism, its modern status as the state religion and its emphasis on harmony with nature. Littleton first offers a quick but comprehensive history of Shinto over the past 2,000 years, stressing its evolution into an imperial cult in the late 19th century. Short chapters follow on kami (deities), sacred texts and persons, ethical principles, concepts of the afterlife and other topics. Throughout, full-color photographs of shrines, rituals, talismans and artwork complement the text, which is replete with interesting facts (e.g., that sumo wrestling derives from an ancient Shinto ritual). Readers will come away with a deeper appreciation of both Shinto and of Japanese culture. (May)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
These two introductory texts are similar both in format they are short, visually appealing, and have a small trim size and in arrangement, with chapters including "Origins and Historical Development," "Sacred Persons," "Ethical Principles," "Sacred Time," "Death and After Life," and "Society and Religion." Chapters conclude with a one-page excerpt and commentary from a sacred or historical book. Littleton (Eastern Wisdom) and Gordon (The Breaking of a Thousand Swords) provide clear and informative explanations about Shinto and Islam, respectively, as they develop and balance themes of religion, history, society, and modernity within their discussions. In discussing Shinto, a significant religion in Japan, Littleton focuses on deities and spirits, shrines, and the ways Buddhism and Christianity have influenced Shintoism. He frequently cites Ryusaku Tsunoda's Sources of Japanese Traditions (1958), along with more recent sources. The several themes Gordon develops in his introduction to Islam include Hadith, or stories regarding the life, teachings, and actions of Muhammad; and Sharia, or ways divine will is portrayed in Islamic sacred law, Hadith, and the Quran. Libraries may already be well stocked with introductions to Islam by such authors as Karen Armstrong and John Esposito, but these useful works are unique in providing an introduction to their respective religions without trying to explain too much. These books can either stand alone or supplement a greater collection. Appropriate for academic and public libraries, especially where there is interest and existing religion collections. Naomi Hafter, Baltimore
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Reader Reviews
Every once in a while, a book comes along that surprises me with its excellence, and this is one of those books. This book looks at Shinto, its origins and developments, its beliefs, sacred texts, and principles. The writing is clear and concise, giving the reader a clear understanding without being too heavy on details or too vague on ideas. Along the way, the reader is treated to a host of topical, colorful pictures that add to ones understanding. This is an excellent resource, one that I highly recommend to anyone who wants a short, easy-to-read introduction to Shinto. I can't think of a better book in this category!