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A study of court life in ancient Japan during the Heian period (c. A.D. 950-1050), where the elite were highly cultured and aware of the aesthetic. The book outlines the social and political life of the period as well as the superstitions and rules of conduct between men and women. ... Read more

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A catalog of arms and armor of ancient Japan with photographs and text co-sponsored by the Municipal Art Patrons Of Los Angeles/Southern California To-Ken Kai for a show at the Municipal Gallery, Barnsdall Park, Febuary 19th through March 22, 1964. ... Read more

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"In a government, military matters are the essential thing," said Japan's "Heavenly Warrior," the Emperor Temmu, in 684. Heavenly Warriors traces in detail the evolutionary development of weaponry, horsemanship, military organization, and tactics from Japan's early conflicts with Korea up to the full-blown system of the samurai. Enhanced by illustrations and maps, and with a new preface by the author, this book will be indispensable for students of military history and Japanese political history.

Customer Reviews (5)

the straw man approach to scholarship
This book typifies the phoney scholar we have produced in this PC age of anyone's opinion is "valid".If you want real scholarship, and real insight into this issue of importance which is once again confabulated by this author--read all of Karl Friday's work.Professor Friday's work is pure genius--this work isn't worth the paper it's written on.

Superb & easy to read
It has long been a common view that the Minamoto victory over the Taira in 1185 began the age of feudalism in Japan. The old-fashioned Taira clan were no match for the feudal Minamoto clan, who revolutionised the country through the formation of their bakufu government in Kamakura. This is a view that Farris disputes in this excellent book.

Farris argues that the most surprising feature of the Kamakura Bakufu's creation and operation is not what changed, but what DIDN'T change. To show this, Farris takes us back to the beginning of Japan's recorded history and details how military men were organised, how they were called in to battle, their tactics, how they were supplied and how they were rewarded. Instead of drawing parallels to the feudal evolution of Western Europe, Farris describes the internal evolution of the Japanese warrior and their relation to the state and shows that 1185 was not the major turning point that it had been viewed as by many.

This is not the only topic covered in the book however, as Farris challenges several other topics, such as the re-opening of new lands by warriors in the 11th-13th centuries and the amount of wealth warriors actually earned off the land they held. His research is surprising and certainly challenges what I had previously been led to believe.

Another reviewer states that Farris doesn't mention the Hojo's involvement at all in the running of the Kamakura Bakufu, and this is true, however I don't believe that it falls within the scope of this work. 'Heavenly Warriors' is not meant as a 'history book' per se, but as a study of the evolution of Japan's military class. There's not space to detail the power structure of the Kamakura Bakufu; this would heavily detract from the theme of the book. The Kamakura Bakufu was indeed more of a regional government than a true nation-wide power, as Farris shows with his case studies on warriors incomes close to the Bakufu capital compared to those on the opposite side of the country. The only Bakufu that could claim ultimate nation-wide authority was the Tokugawa, and even then there were provinces such as Satsuma that managed to operator slightly under the radar.

I'd consider this work a must-read for anyone interested in Japan's medieval and pre-medieval period. It's a fascinating and surprisingly easy to read book that helps dispel many misconceptions surrounding the rise of the warrior class in Japan.

Interesting outlook
I found this book to be quite interesting. The author is trying to make a case where he believes that the Japanese samurai's evolution started from 500 AD and continued onward until they took power with Minamoto Yoritomo. Since much of Japan's early military history is unknown to most English speaking people, I found those chapters to be specially enlightening. I found it interesting that Japan's armies between 500-900 AD fought along the continental Asian style with formations - massive armies of peasants rise by local "strongmen" who may have been forerunner of the diamyo class. These armies were led by imperial court's nobles. Only when the court's failure to invest money into this concept did a more specialzed concept of a warrior class slowly came to be. This warrior class which began as specific palace units and local strongmen, will soon supplant the Emperor and his court as the rulers of Japan. Only in the last chapter where it dealt with the Kamakura Shogunate did the author seem to stumble. Apparently either he don't understand or make it clear that Kamakura Shogunate was actually run by the Hojo Regency who did run Japan with an iron fist for many years before the Mongol Invasion which ironically led to the fall of Hojo family (50 years later) who usurped the powers from Yoritomo's family. Author somehow believed that Kamakura's rule wasn't that complete. The fact that he barely mentioned the Hojo family (and how they took totol control of Japan through their puppet Shoguns) or even one of their greatest leaders, Tokimune, who led Japan's defense during the Mongol invasion period tells me that maybe his research in this period wasn't that complete. Otherwise, this proves to be a highly educational and entertaining book to read.

Informative and clear
I found this book very informative and clear.The author tells you the story of how the Samurai came to be with the intent of showing how Japanese Fudalism is not just an analog of Western Fudalism.I liked the book for its challenge to a widely held belief. It forces the reader to think and consider what one thinks they already know.

I expected the book to be rather dry but was very happy to find out it is really a wonderful read.I recommend this to anyone who is already somewhat familiar with Japanese history, especially pre-Gempei War history.

Theoretically well constructed, but read with other books.
I had a mixed feeling that I could not easily settle down after reading this book. Though beautifully articulated in depicting the development of the Japanese military in the medieval time, Farris' proposition of"Western Analogous Theory" makes careful readers feel uneasyabout the legitimacy of his argument. The reiterated reference to"Western Analogous Theory" seems to work counter to convincingreaders. However, too soon to conclude its value yet. Alongside thispossibly problematic proposition, Farris' emphasis on the importance of thecontinuation bridging the aristocratic Heian period and the SamuraiKamakura period should not be missed. That is indeed of crucial importance.This book could become a great reference source for the Japanese historystudies, when it is read along with others books dealing with the similartopic during the similar period. ... Read more

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Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishings Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the worlds literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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In an adventure filled with highway bandits, unscrupulous politicians, and renegade monks, The Dragon Scroll introduces readers to the lively world of eleventh-century Japan and an irrepressible hero—Sugawara Akitada. On his first official assignment, Akitada—an impoverished nobleman and earnest young government clerk in the Ministry of Justice—is sent from the capital city on a nearly impossible mission to the distant province of Kazusa to discover why tax convoys are disappearing. In the politically murky world of the Japanese court, he has been set up to fail. Against the odds, the ever-resourceful Akitada, his elderly servant Seimei, and his impudent bodyguard Tora are determined to fulfill their mission and discover the truth in a town of dangerous secrets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Japanese mystery goodness
In the tradition of Laura Joh Rowland and Lian Hearn, I.J. Parker sets her mysteries in ancient japanese lore.It's a fast-paced read and has a good mystery plot.Be fore-warned that this is not the typical samurai-based cultural setting.It's pre-samurai japanese history, so there is a much more laid back, inter-hierarchial mixing of peoples.While there is still a rigid society with honor-bound values, characters tend to bridge these differences with familiarity. It's a nice formula though. I highly recommend these works.

This admirer of Shogun has found an excellent mystery series set in 11th century Japan
First Line: There were two watchers in the garden that night.

When author I.J. Parker contacted me about reading her latest historical mystery, The Masuda Affair, I thought honesty would be the best policy. Explaining that I tend to be a stickler for reading mystery series in order, I did say that I had a copy of her first Sugawara Akitada mystery on my shelves, and I'd be more than happy to read and review it. That was quite all right with the author, and I'm grateful that the author gave me the tiny shove I needed to begin this series.


Like many other people in the late 1970s, I devoured James Clavell's Shgun. I loved the characters, the story, the history-- and the mini-series based upon Clavell's novel cemented my new found interest in Japanese history.

Author I.J. Parker's mystery series is set in eleventh-century Japan, roughly 500 years before Clavell's novel. In The Dragon Scroll, young Sugawara Akitada is an impoverished nobleman and a government clerk in the Ministry of Justice. His first assignment is to travel to the remote province of Kazusa to track down the thieves who have stolen the last three years' worth of tax shipments. To be blunt about it, he's being set up to fail.

Traveling along the Tokaido Road with his older family retainer, Seimei, the two are soon joined by Tora, a young working class man who, for some unknown reason, doesn't have the papers necessary to travel within Japan. Against the mutterings of Seimei, Akitada decides to trust Tora and obtains a set of identity papers for him.

In no time, the three men are in the capital of Kazusa. The former governor of the province requests a meeting with Akitada, but before that can take place, the man is murdered. Akitada finds himself beset by bandits, rogues, and shifty politicians, but he is determined to bring both thieves and murderers to justice.

This book has a wonderful sense of pace-- and a wonderful cast of characters. Akitada, Seimei and Tora play off each other very well, and Parker puts a sharp sense of humor to good use. Her descriptive powers remind me of Japanese woodcuts, like in this scene:

"Above them the wind swept ragged smoky clouds along; before them the charcoal-dark ocean boiled and subsided with a continuous roar, vomiting up dirty yellow foam and swallowing it again; and all about them swirled and blew the spray and the everlasting rain, tearing at their cloaks and slapping the wet, salt-laden wisps of their hats against their stinging cheeks."



Parker has told a story with such a strong sense of time and place and populated it with characters who are smart enough, funny enough and cantankerous enough to live on the page. I have to know what happens to Akitada and Seimei and Tora next. I have to.

The only bad thing about being given the necessary push to read this first book in the series is that now I want to read them all, one right after the other. Books have always been my "Lay's Potato Chips".

One of those books I couldn't put down
You can safely ignore the small number of negative reviews.They reek of snobbishness.(What in the world is an anachronism anyway?) :)Anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel should find this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable read, especially if you are intrigued by the history and culture of ancient Japan.
This was an Amazon recommendation based on the fact that I ordered a book from the Otori series by Lian Hearn (another great set of novels inspired by ancient Japan).I decided to give it a read and I was not disappointed.Putting the book down was difficult.I'm betting the mystery, humor, and likable characters that you can probably relate to will keep you reading as well.
Later today I expect to be finished with the second book in the series, Rashomon Gate, which has also been thoroughly enjoyable.Then it's on to Black Arrow...

Detection In Heian Japan
Our author places her protagonists in Eleventh Century Japan, a "seemingly" well regulatedConfucian societywith a strong admixture ofBuddhist -Shinto values and doctrines. Akida Sugawara ,our champion, is none too happy as a paper pusher and dreams of applying his not inconsiderable talents of deductionto other areas .In trying to clear up a case of missing taxes from a remote province he becomes enmeshed in murder,treason and assorted villainies.His quest for justice is aided by an austere faithful man servant and an earthy formerhighwayman/rogue employee. They serve as charming counterpoints in sorting out the duplicitous dealings of the provincials.Our author uses herconsiderable skills in employing historically faithful characters and settingsl to the panorama of human virtues and vices which work themselves out amidst murder and mahem..This book is a delight for those who love History ,Sino-Japanese Culture or just a good suspenseful crime yarn.Well Done I.J.Parker . The author follows well in the footsteps of that revered story teller and Sinologist Robert Van Gulik.

Splendid
Having read two of the Akitada thrillers I am really impressed. The books are historically sound, there is psychology in the characters, there is plenty of mystery, great plots, some love. In short a very good read. I am hooked. I have bought all of them. These stories may even be better than Robert van Gulik's Judge Dee stories.
What I particularly like is the understanding of the different layers of ancient Japanese society and their interaction. A joy to read. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a memorable collection of historical legends and folktales from Japan. Nearly all of them are set in a well-defined time and place, instead of 'once upon a time.' Themes include ghosts; unrequited love across social boundaries; Shinto landscape, tree and ocean spirits; and tales driven by Bushido and Buddhist ethics. Not a few of these yarns end up with someone committing Seppuku.

Smith does not try to dress up the language or narrative for westerners, or sentimentalize the stories. Instead, he tells each story very literally, even when they include supernatural elements. The result is an anthology of Japanese 'magical realist' tales which contemporary readers will find appealing.

Each chapter, with one exception, is illustrated by one or more colorful plates done in a typical 19th century Japanese style[.] (Quote from sacred-texts.com)

About the Author

Richard Gordon Smith (1858 - 1918)
Richard Gordon Smith (1858-1918) was an English animal hunter who earlier had spent time in France, Canada, and Norway. He had a falling out from his wife of eighteen years and, as divorce at the time was neither desirable nor respectable, he left to travel full-time, first-class. Throughout his travels he kept a series of eight large leather-bound diaries emblazoned with exotic illustrations and filled with mementoes from all over the world. After Ceylon and Burma, he arrived in Nagasaki harbor on Christmas Eve 1897. He left Japan in February 1900, heading back to England via New Guinea and Fiji, but he came down with a fever and abandoned the trip, returning to Japan instead. Gordon Smith did go back to England briefly in 1903, returning to Japan that year via Singapore and China. Later he left from Kobe, again to England via Ceylon, in early 1905. He wa ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Tales from another land (from me)
This book offers you an interesting look into the stories that are told around the land.These stories come from various regions and the author is nice enough to give credit to each and every storyteller that gives him these stories.I cannot verify how much truth is any of the folklore, but it doesn't really matter each are satisfying in their own way.The color illustrations are marvelous and done by oriental artists, not western artists.Each color plate gives the feeling of a painting making the story feel like both painting and story have been around a long time.I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Japan or would like a slightly different look into the history of Japan.Note this may not be historically accurate, but in my opinion, the stories that are handed down tell as much about the culture as the history itself. ... Read more

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Written for children, but interesting for adults.Describes life in ancient Asia through the eyes of a child who takes a trip in a time machine.Perfect to read aloud to a child, and color illustrations help the reader understand and remember. ... Read more

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The Nihongi is the standard native history of Ancient Japan. This volume, originally published in 1896 and now of classic status makes accessible to European scholars the extensive store of material for the study of mythology, folk-lore, early civilization and manners and customs which it contains.

Customer Reviews (4)

Important work of Japanology
William George Aston was one of the three or four major British japanologists of the 19th century, along with Ernest Satow, Basil Hall Chamberlain and Frederick Victor Dickins. As such it is good to see this book, or rather half of it, available here. It is the first ever English translation of the Nihongi and is full (perhaps too full) of copious annotations.

Ernest Satow wrote in a private letter to Dickins on April 26, 1896: "Aston's translation of the Nihongi, Vol. I, reached me the other day. It is a capital piece of work. It is a subject for legitimate pride that this and the Kojiki have been Englished by us, before any other Europeans." It has also stood the test of time quite well.

Ian Ruxton, editor of Sir Ernest Satow's Private Letters to W.G. Aston and F.V. Dickins: The Correspondence of a Pioneer Japanologist from 1870 to 1918 (Paperback), also available on amazon.

Half of a really great work.
W.G. Aston's Nihongi is the standard translation of one of Japan's greatest works of early literature.For those studying early Japanese history or folklore it is a must read. It describes the creation myths of Japan, the origin of Amaterasu, the sun goddess and the descent of the emperors from the gods (kami).It transitions slowly from myth to history somewhere around 400 AD as it begins to describe the acts of the emperors and Japan's interaction with its neighbours, most notably the kingdoms of Pekche, Silla and Koryo in what is now Korea.

The creation myths are somewhat jumbled in format and, without Aston's copious footnotes, would be almost unintelligible to the uninitiated.While at times the translator's commentary threatens to overwhelm the actual text, for the most part it plays a key role in aiding our understanding.The expert may find the notes annoying (and possibly dated since the book was translated in 1896) but I found them quite helpful.As the book proceeds into the more narrative historical sections, the footnotes decrease accordingly.

It appears that the Nihongi was written to provide the back-story to the role of the emperor as it existed circa 800 AD.Thus genealogical information forms a large part of the book and there are a lot of names in here. Aston also points out, with considerable annoyance, that many of the speeches and acts of the Nihongi are anachronistically cribbed from Chinese material extant at the time of the Nihongi's writing. Poetry, as well, is a large component of the work, often with inscrutable translations but tempered by copious notes. It should also be noted that to avoid corrupting the morals of the youth, passages dealing with sex are translated from Japanese into Latin. The curious and prurient may wish to brush up on their classical studies.

I was completely unaware, as I read the book, that the Cosimo edition of the Nihongi is only the first of two original volumes.Nowhere in the book is it made clear that there is another volume, although if you read the preface closely you will note that Aston refers to the "thirty books" of the Nihongi - in this edition there are only 16.The errata published at the back are for two volumes, one of which is that in hand while the other is clearly not present, and the title indicates the book will take us to 637 AD while the table of contents only goes as far as Muretsu in AD 499.It is difficult to believe you could publish this book without being aware that there was a second volume and almost as difficult to believe the publisher deliberately misled the readers into buying what was effectively only half of a book. Whatever the answer, I am quite disappointed in the lack of a second volume.

The writings themselvesare excellent.While I usually enjoy folklore more than history, in this case, the best and most moving tales belong to the "historical" portion of the book.Tales of the evil emperor Yoriaku, the bold empress Okinaga and others are quite entertaining, while obviously not completely factual.I would have to give the Nihongi 5 stars as a great work of literature, Aston's translation 4 stars due to is dated nature and the publisher 1 star for delivering only half of the great tale.

Quite a good source.
Mr. Aston outdid himself with this work, which must have been an undertaking of many a year. With more detail on the creation story than the Kojiki, the book runs a similar ground but as Aston will point out on occassion, has a large Chinese influence as well. I have been researching world myth for eight years now, and find this a great ancient source for the subject. The time of the gods lasting just over the first hundred pages, however the remaining literature provides in depth custom and legend that others around the globe can appreciate, and in some cases relate to, reguardless where you dwell.

Beware--the Cosimo edition is only first half of the Nihongi--it is incomplete
The Cosimo edition of the Nihongi is only the first half (up to the reign of Buretsu--or Muretsu, according to Aston's rendering of the name). This is probably because the original edition was in two volumes, and the Cosimo edition only reproduces the first volume, while claiming to be the entire Nihongi. The Tuttle editions have both volumes in one book. ... Read more

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The Rest of the Title:...; Within the Canons (sic), Cliff Buildings and Gardens of the Gods; Through the Dark Continent; In OUr Own American Egypt; On The Isles of the Sea; An In All Parts of the Globe. Embracing The Most Thrilling Adventures and Wonderful Discoveries of our Greatest Travelers, Pioneers and Explorers. Among Whom Are The World-renowned Livingstone, Stanley, Baker, Cameron, Pinto, Speke, Paul Du Chaillu, Burton, Grant, Wallace, Gordon, Kane, Hayes, Greely, Franklin, Schwatka, Hall, Melville, Ross, Parry, Cook, Wilkes, Humboldt, and Others. Beautifully and Elaborately Illustrated With Over 300 Fine Engravings. By James P. Boyd, A.M., Author of "Building and Ruling the Republic" and "Military and Civil Life of General U.S. Grant," etc. ... Read more

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The cultural foundations of Japan are intimately linked to continental Asia. China and Korea in particular helped shape the early Japanese states in many ways, over centuries of immigration and cultural exchange. The introduction of rice agriculture, the Chinese writing system, and the Chinese system of bureaucratic imperial government are perhaps the most well-known examples, but the influence of mainland cultures on the Japanese archipelago was pervasive.For the first time in English, this work presents a comprehensive, comparative study of the content of famous Chinese historical texts that are fundamental in the knowledge of Japan's ancient history. Translations of documents from the Chronicle of the Wei to the History of the Song provide an unparalleled resource for scholars, students, and general readers with an interest in Japanese history and culture, and shed new light on formerly obscure aspects of intercultural exchange, contributing to our knowledge of the whole of Eastern Asia.The book serves as a guide for scholars in the field, providing information on date of first publication, content, and authors of the different histories, with source text accompanied by translations and explanatory notes. Reprints and related academic publications are covered in an extensive multilingual bibliography, making this an essential textbook for any student of ancient Japan, and a key reference work for investigations into the spread and influence of Chinese culture. ... Read more

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In Heian Kyo, the capital city of 11th century Japan, Akitada Sugawara serves as a minor official in the Ministry of Justice. Though born into a noble family, his family's estate is sadly diminished, forcing Akitada to toil fruitlessly at an unsuccessful career. So when an old friend, Professor Hirata, calls upon Akitada for help, he welcomes the opportunity to escape from his dull assignments.

One of the professor's colleagues is being blackmailed, and to save the Imperial University from scandal, Hirata asks his former pupil to investigate the situation. After taking a leave of absence from the Ministry, Akitada joins the staff of the university as a visiting lecturer, and finds himself drawn into a web of gossip and petty rivalries.

Nearly everyone he encounters is suspect, but Akitada's attentions are soon sidetracked by the murder of a young woman, and the mysterious disappearance of a student's grandfather. The emperor himself has declared the case a miracle, but Lord Minamoto refuses to believe the pious tale of his grandfather's transfiguration. Though there is no evidence of foul play, it is clear to Akitada that Minamoto's life has also become endangered.

Plunging into a dangerous investigation of conspiracy among high-ranking nobles, Akitada must step carefully while gathering clues to solve the puzzle before him.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

multiple murder japanese mystery
In the tradition of Laura Joh Rowland and Lian Hearn, I.J. Parker sets her mysteries in ancient japanese lore.This book takes an interesting turn as the main character acts as a visiting professor at the college in Hein Kyo (Edo/Tokyo)which is interesting because I hadn't encountered mention of higher education, or education in general other than tutors, in the historical japanese fiction genre before.There are multiple murders in this one with some twists and turns.Highly enjoyable read.

Fantastic series
I don't know how to exactly describe Akatada and his world. His family has fallen out of favor, his mother is constantly reminding him to better himself, and he manages to link seemingly unrelated murders and events with a precision that really bothers Kobe, a police captain. He employs deserters and murderers because he finds they are good men. He protects a child who has been abandoned by his noble family. He even manages to find love in a roundabout way. All of this and more in a series that is fascinating and set in Heian Kyoto. I am an anime/manga shojo fan who picked this series up because of its setting and cannot put it down. Not only am I learning about the culture as I hoped, but I have discovered a wonderful series to boot.

Great Historical Mystery
When his former professor and guardian asks for his help, Sugawara Akitada feels obligated to assist him in his investigation. To do this, Akitada must return to his former university and it reminds him of things he would rather forget. Not long after he begins teaching at the university, Akitada stumbles upon not one but three murders he hopes to solve. He is not alone. His servant, Tora is there to help with his investigation. Not only does Akitada have the task of solving three murders and protecting a young prince, he also has to deal with the most troublesome thing of all... a matter of the heart.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. Out of sure luck I picked this up at the library due to my fascination with the Japanese culture. Not only was this an enjoyable read on the history and culture of eleventh-century Japan, but it was a fantastic mystery. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. Parker created a wide variety of vivid characters. The plot was also fast paced and not drawn out. Overall, this was a fantastic mystery that both historical fiction and mystery fans will enjoy.

entertaining
For a beginning novelist I.J. Parker embarked on quite an ambitious project with Rashomon Gate. She set herself the task of creating a believable amateur sleuth, a la Sherlock Holmes, who through his puzzle solving ability is able to crack cases that are beyond the methods of the professional police force. This challenge was compounded by giving the hero five murder cases to solve within a short period of time. To add to the difficulties, our part-time detective, Akitada, is beset with problems from his personal and professional lives, which manage to intertwine with the cases he is working on. But of course the greatest challenge and novelty of this mystery novel is that it is set in 11th century Japan. In my opinion this is an entertaining book, although I feel there are a number of reasons it does not entirely succeed on the highest level. There are actually three sub-plots which are behind the five homicides. While this adds complexity to the tale, I think it dilutes the dramatic intensity by scattering the attention of the reader. Some of the plot devices seem a bit simplistic; for example, Akitada who is so clever at piecing together clues, seems quite dense at times in reading the motivations of even his close associates. The reader, of course, can see that he is mistaken and this creates atension to hold his interest until the mistaken assumption is resolved. I found this a little annoying because I thought such a smart detective should have more insight into human nature. The solutions to the crimes lead to a wrapping up that seems almost too pat, so that the general impression I was left with was that the story was more moralistic than realistic. But for all these perceived weaknesses, I still found the book quite enjoyable as light reading. The Japanese love of the beauty of nature comes through quite often throughout its pages. The characters are interesting, if not very deep for the most part. And the backdrop of the society and culture of medieval Japan were represented quite convincingly, though I must admit I am no authority on the subject. Rashomon Gate is a solid achievement and a good beginning, but compared to the heavyweights of literature, I felt 3-plus stars to be a fair rating.

Classes, conspiracy, and death.
11th Century Japan is not the normal setting for most historical novels set in the Land of the Raising Sun.While samurai, monks, and nobles still plot and plan within the Imperial Court tea is yet to have become the common drink and the whole feel of Japanese life, while familiar, still seems a tad off, not as orderly.While much of the time is spent by Sugawara Akitada in the Imperial University trying to solve one crime he soon finds himself in the middle of many evil deeds.Are all they linked together or is he just unlucky enough to have stumbled upon more than one criminal act?The confusion slows down the plot a tad, which is why I took away a star, but that is the only flaw within the pages of this book.Buy it used or new.And if you enjoy it, like I did, then go find the others, like I plan to. ... Read more