Mishima's Sword: Travels in Search of a Samurai Legend
by Christopher Ross
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Book Summary Information
Author: Christopher RossEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-10-31
ISBN: 0306815133
Number of pages: 272
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Book Reviews of Mishima's Sword: Travels in Search of a Samurai Legend
Book Review: Interesting history lesson mixed with a travel diary
Summary: 5 Stars
Christopher Ross goes on a quest for the sword used to assist in the suicide of Yushio Mishima, one of Japan's most famous authors. Along the way, the reader is treated to a history of Japan, lessons on Kendo, and insight into Mishima himself, and icon (or iconoclast?) of Japanese literature. In essence, the quest for the physical sword takes secondary importance, behind Ross's quest to understand the man, the times, and the context of his suicide.
For those that read Twigger's Angry White Pajamas, this book is a more serious, and more culturally detailed view of the same genre. Perhaps the connection comes as Christopher Ross was the uber-guru that Twigger wrote about...
If there's one issue I have with the book, it's that the writer at times talks down to the reader. For example, most anyone reading this has experienced international travel - the audience is a cosmopolitan set. Explaining the details of an inflight entertainment system detracts from the overall story.
That said, the book is still concise and well written, and worthy of a read from any afficianado of Japan. It certainly earns a prominent place on my bookshelf!
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