Japan Through the Looking Glass (Paperback)

Alan MacFarlane

A journey of discovery through Japan's multi-faceted customs and culture

A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY THROUGH JAPAN'S MULTI-FACETED CUSTOMS AND CULTURE

'An excellent book for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture' Sunday Telegraph
'Takes in everything from the mythical roots of sumo to the ubiquity of Shinto shrines' The Times

Alan Macfarlane first encountered Japan full of certainty, confidence and unexamined assumptions. He soon found his preconceptions challenged on every front - as generations of visiting travellers have found themselves, too.

In this fascinating and endlessly surprising book, Macfarlane takes us on an exploration of every aspect of Japanese society, from the most public spaces to the most intimate realms, uncovering the great depths and multi-faceted nature of the country and its people.

Clear-sighted yet affectionate, Macfarlane shows us Japan as it has never been seen before and, in the process, helps us to see our own world anew.

Publication date: 17/07/2008

£10.99

ISBN: 9781861979674

Imprint: Profile Books

Subject: Arts, Language & Literature, Travel & Nature

Japan Through the Looking Glass (Ebook)

Alan MacFarlane

A journey of discovery through Japan's multi-faceted customs and culture

A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY THROUGH JAPAN'S MULTI-FACETED CUSTOMS AND CULTURE

'An excellent book for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture' Sunday Telegraph
'Takes in everything from the mythical roots of sumo to the ubiquity of Shinto shrines' The Times

Alan Macfarlane first encountered Japan full of certainty, confidence and unexamined assumptions. He soon found his preconceptions challenged on every front - as generations of visiting travellers have found themselves, too.

In this fascinating and endlessly surprising book, Macfarlane takes us on an exploration of every aspect of Japanese society, from the most public spaces to the most intimate realms, uncovering the great depths and multi-faceted nature of the country and its people.

Clear-sighted yet affectionate, Macfarlane shows us Japan as it has never been seen before and, in the process, helps us to see our own world anew.

Publication date: 06/08/2010

£9.99

ISBN: 9781847650580

ISBN 10 / ASIN: B003ZDNWLS

Imprint: Profile Books

Subject: Arts, Language & Literature, Travel & Nature

Reviews for Japan Through the Looking Glass

'Intelligent and engaging ... an excellent book for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture.'

 Sunday Telegraph

'An elegantly arranged narrative that takes in everything from the mythical roots of sumo to the ubiquity of Shinto shrines.'

 The Times

'An engaging and well-informed analysis of Japanese culture and society ... Readers fresh to Japanese studies will find something fascinating on every page; those more familiar with writing on Japan will appreciate the smaller details, many born of Macfarlane's rich comparative insights.'

 Independent

'He triumphantly decodes this enigmatic country.'

 Japan Times

'A must read for businesspeople and anyone planning a visit to this vibrant land.'

 Monsters and Critics.com

Alan MacFarlane

Alan MacFarlane

Alan Macfarlane is Professor of Anthropology at Cambridge. He has often visited and taught in Japan.

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