Tales of Old Japan

This fascinating collection of short stories focuses on aspects of Japanese life before the Meiji Restoration. Written in 1871, the book provides an introduction to Japanese literature and culture, both through the stories (all adapted from authentic Japanese sources) and Mitford's extensive supplementary notes. Also included are Mitford's eyewitness accounts of a selection of Japanese rituals, including harakiri (seppuku) and marriage, along with a selection of fairy tales and a sampling o...