Title
Memories Of Silk And Straw: A Selfportrait Of Smalltown Japan
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
Over 50 Reminiscences Of Premodern Japanillustrations Of A Way Of Life That Has Virtually Disappeared. Voted Best Book Of The Year By Japan'S Foreign Press.This Is A Collective Biography, Based On Interviews Taped By A Smalltown Doctor, Recording The Lives Of A Cotton Dyer, Blacksmith, Tofu Maker, Undertaker, Carter, Tenant Farmer, Local Gangster, Casual Laborer, Horsemeat Butcher, Magistrate'S Wife, Apprentice Geisha, Rice Merchant, Thatcher, Carpenter, Midwife, County Hangman, Pawnbroker, Draper, Fisherman, Hairdresser, Servant, Charcoal Burner, And So Onover Fifty In All. Their Memories Are All Related To A Lakeside Town And Its Rural Suburbs Northeast Of Tokyo.Born In The Early Years Of This Century, These People Have Both Seen The Old Japan And Lived Through The Changes Brought About By Modernization And The Onset Of Affluence. In A Real Sense, They Provide The Sole Surviving Links With A Feudal Way Of Life And Its Attitudes Which Have Altered, In The Space Of Fifty Years Or So, Beyond Recognition.Through Plainspoken Anecdotetheir Voices By Turns Amused, Nostalgic, Disturbing But Unsensationalthey Describe Their Youth In A Tougher World Where Poverty Was Commonplace, Where Unwanted Children Were Sometimes Thinned Out'' At Birth, Where Poorer Families Cooked Outofdoors And Fishermen In Summer Went Almost Naked. By Saving Their Memories For Posterity, The Author Hoped To Close, Just A Fraction, The Gap In Perception Between A Traditional Past And The Japan We Know Today. The Resultas The Distinguished Anthropologist, Ronald Dore, Says In His Prefaceis A Book To Savor, And A Book To Learn From.These Reminiscences Are Accompanied By Illustrations Painted By The Author'S Father, Dr. Susumu Sagathemselves A Record Of An Old Man'S Past.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book contains two hundred sixty pages. It provides a comprehensive look at the lives of various individuals in pre-modern Japan.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is paperback bound. The paperback format makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Memories of Silk and Straw'? A: The author is Dr. Junichi Saga. He conducts interviews that form the basis of this collective biography.
- Q: What is the size of the book? A: The book measures eight point one nine inches in length, zero point nine one inches in width, and five point five one inches in height. This compact size makes it easy to read and store.
- Q: What language is the book written in? A: The book is written in English. It is accessible to a broad audience interested in Japanese culture and history.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme revolves around the reminiscences of individuals from small-town Japan. Their stories highlight the contrast between traditional and modern Japanese life.
- Q: Is this book suitable for children? A: Yes, the book is suitable for older children with an interest in history or culture. However, parental guidance is recommended due to some mature themes.
- Q: How can I use this book for educational purposes? A: You can use this book as a resource for learning about Japanese history and culture. It offers firsthand accounts that can enrich discussions in classrooms.
- Q: What kind of illustrations are included in the book? A: The book includes illustrations painted by the author's father, Dr. Susumu Saga. These illustrations serve as a visual representation of the stories shared.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition and prevent fading.
- Q: Can I return the book if I don't like it? A: Yes, you can return the book if it does not meet your expectations. Check the retailer's return policy for specific details on returns.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the retailer for a replacement or refund. Most retailers have a customer service team to assist with such issues.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for history buffs? A: Yes, this book makes an excellent gift for history enthusiasts. Its unique insights into Japan's past are sure to intrigue anyone interested in cultural history.
- Q: Are there any other books similar to this one? A: Yes, you might find books like 'The Tale of Genji' or 'Japanese Tales' interesting as they also explore Japanese culture and history through narrative.
- Q: Is this book available in other formats? A: Currently, this book is available only in paperback format. An electronic version may not be offered at this time.
- Q: What is the publisher of this book? A: The book is published by Kodansha USA. They specialize in bringing Japanese literature to English-speaking audiences.