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Tales of the Samurai: Illustrated Edition
In this lavishly illustrated volume, A.B. Mitford presents ancient Japanese tales filled with action, romance, and the supernatural. Proud lords and their loyal retainers, a brave samurai and his faithless wife, a vampire cat, and howling spirits are all featured in the engaging stories that follow,
* The Forty-Seven Rō In this account of fierce heroism, a band of rōnin—masterless samurai who wander the country as somewhat disreputable knights errant—swear to lay down their lives to avenge their lord, who was condemned to hara kiri and his property and castle forfeited to the state.
* How Tajima Shumé was Tormented by a Devil of his Own When a traveling rōnin amasses great wealth with a dead priest’s money, he finds himself confronted with a fearful vision of the man he murdered.
* The Badger’s An old priest takes pity on a helpless badger that asks to enter his warm cottage so that it may live through a bitterly cold night.
Appendices covering hara kiri and funeral rites conclude this collection of mesmerizing stories about Japanese life in days of yore.
* The Forty-Seven Rō In this account of fierce heroism, a band of rōnin—masterless samurai who wander the country as somewhat disreputable knights errant—swear to lay down their lives to avenge their lord, who was condemned to hara kiri and his property and castle forfeited to the state.
* How Tajima Shumé was Tormented by a Devil of his Own When a traveling rōnin amasses great wealth with a dead priest’s money, he finds himself confronted with a fearful vision of the man he murdered.
* The Badger’s An old priest takes pity on a helpless badger that asks to enter his warm cottage so that it may live through a bitterly cold night.
Appendices covering hara kiri and funeral rites conclude this collection of mesmerizing stories about Japanese life in days of yore.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1871
About the author
Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford
71 books11 followersAlgernon Freeman-Mitford, 1st Baron Redesdale
Usually published under the name A.B. Mitford.
Usually published under the name A.B. Mitford.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 28, 2022
A great read with wonderful illustrations. However it suffers from some poor editing of the text.
September 7, 2023
This is a collection of old folklore and fairy tales and even some ghost stories.
Supposedly, several of the stories are based. In fact, instead of fiction. This includes a very shortened rendition of the famous 47 ronin story.
Each story has a prologue and an epilogue to help provide context into and around some of the concepts and thoughts of the era that the story takes place. Also to expand on specific cultural beliefs and events.
I found most of the stories to be entertaining and the extra information to be educational. The final chapter is all about the ritual suicide that samurai and other noble classes could hope to perform. In the event of committing a crime. This section drags on a bit too long as he goes in very much in depth to the procedure and people involved.
Overall, it was not a very long read and I am very glad to have read it as it has helped me learn more about some of the cultural aspects of old Japan as well as recognize many that are still alive today.
Supposedly, several of the stories are based. In fact, instead of fiction. This includes a very shortened rendition of the famous 47 ronin story.
Each story has a prologue and an epilogue to help provide context into and around some of the concepts and thoughts of the era that the story takes place. Also to expand on specific cultural beliefs and events.
I found most of the stories to be entertaining and the extra information to be educational. The final chapter is all about the ritual suicide that samurai and other noble classes could hope to perform. In the event of committing a crime. This section drags on a bit too long as he goes in very much in depth to the procedure and people involved.
Overall, it was not a very long read and I am very glad to have read it as it has helped me learn more about some of the cultural aspects of old Japan as well as recognize many that are still alive today.
October 28, 2020
Amazing loved it!!!
Ok so where do we start...oh right so this book was a great book filled with japanese history. I fell in love with this book and how well it was written. I loved the illustrations and i loved the way it came up with presenting. I only have a few issues with the book. Okay so first issue sometimes it felt a little drawn out and my second issue is sometimes if felt a little too short. But overall this was an amazing book. I would definitely recommend this book to a more teenage audience because sometimes it did get a little complicated. I would also recommend this book to people who love japanese history or people who like older styled books. So what do i rate this out of 10 you ask? Probably a solid 9/10 because there is some things (not many) that dragged the book down a little.
Ok so where do we start...oh right so this book was a great book filled with japanese history. I fell in love with this book and how well it was written. I loved the illustrations and i loved the way it came up with presenting. I only have a few issues with the book. Okay so first issue sometimes it felt a little drawn out and my second issue is sometimes if felt a little too short. But overall this was an amazing book. I would definitely recommend this book to a more teenage audience because sometimes it did get a little complicated. I would also recommend this book to people who love japanese history or people who like older styled books. So what do i rate this out of 10 you ask? Probably a solid 9/10 because there is some things (not many) that dragged the book down a little.
February 9, 2021
A really nice book to have some insights around these feared and at the same time admired warriors from the land of the rising sun. Although I did not appreciate the writing style most of the time, it was an enjoyable book. For those who want to learn more about the legends about the samurai, as well as traditional Japanese folklore, this book is a good starting point.
June 1, 2023
For something presumably done as a cheap way to make a buck (adding public domain images to public domain writing) it’s actually phenomenally well done. The pictures really do add a lot, either literally or atmospherically, and even the borders change based on what’s going on in the various plots. A good book to read while pacing in a circle to get enough steps to win a game.
July 25, 2020
Awesome
Read
March 7, 2021forgot stuff
May 11, 2022
Really probably a 3.5 for me. Has some great information about a topic I enjoy reading about. The older style of writing was at times appreciated and other times not.
January 18, 2024
Nice introduction to a classic I haven’t been exposed to before, sort of a Japanese Grimms Fairy Tales.
August 27, 2022
Did not actually finish. Pretty boring. But the pictures were cool.
March 19, 2021
Sort of a Japan-focused version of 1,001 Arabian Nights. This version in particular is beautifully designed and illustrated.
March 25, 2022
Enjoyed the tales! Very amazing artwork as well.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews