Post by Noriko on Feb 28, 2009 23:23:10 GMT -5
Pandemonium and Parade: Yokai and Japanese Culture by Michael Dylan Foster
I just finished this book a few days ago and it's not exactly what I thought it would be, it was still a good book nonetheless. For starters, it is not a comprehensive guide to various Japanese monsters. Very few critters are actually named in this book and give very little explanation. Instead, the author concentrates on the Japanese relationship to certain supernatural/unexplainable phenomenon (including kokkuri) and how over time, these relationships have changed in the face of modernity. SCAwise, the eras covered in the book are post period (Edo to today) but there are a few interesting tidbits, including that the yokai we know today aren't as old as we think- in fact, many were invented or modified by Edo/Meiji era writers.
The book kind of slows down in the middle, when the author focuses on kokkuri, instead of straight up monsters. Also, the writing can get that academic/"using big words to impress" tone some times and some of the analysis can come off as post-modern psychobabble but not so much that it impedes understanding or enjoyment.
In the end, this is a good book for those interested in Japan but looking for something that covers new ground in their understanding.
Overall grade: B
I just finished this book a few days ago and it's not exactly what I thought it would be, it was still a good book nonetheless. For starters, it is not a comprehensive guide to various Japanese monsters. Very few critters are actually named in this book and give very little explanation. Instead, the author concentrates on the Japanese relationship to certain supernatural/unexplainable phenomenon (including kokkuri) and how over time, these relationships have changed in the face of modernity. SCAwise, the eras covered in the book are post period (Edo to today) but there are a few interesting tidbits, including that the yokai we know today aren't as old as we think- in fact, many were invented or modified by Edo/Meiji era writers.
The book kind of slows down in the middle, when the author focuses on kokkuri, instead of straight up monsters. Also, the writing can get that academic/"using big words to impress" tone some times and some of the analysis can come off as post-modern psychobabble but not so much that it impedes understanding or enjoyment.
In the end, this is a good book for those interested in Japan but looking for something that covers new ground in their understanding.
Overall grade: B