Title
Paragons of the Ordinary: The Biographical Literature of Mori Ogai (SHAPS Library of Asian Studies),Used
Sold by Ergodebooks, an authorized reseller.
Returns accepted within 30 days | support@ergodebooks.com
Shipping Information
- Free Standard Shipping — United States only
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- Estimated Delivery: 3–5 business days after dispatch
- Double-boxed, fully insured & discreetly packaged
- Tracking number sent via email once dispatched
- Orders over $250 require signature upon delivery. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Returns & Refund
Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Damaged or Defective Item
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Wrong Item Received
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Change of Mind
Return shipping at customer's expense · 25% restocking fee applies
Payment Option
Paragons of the Ordinary is about a quite extraordinary literary achievement: a series of biographies of obscure scholarliterati written by Mori Ogai, one of Japan's most prominent writers and intellectuals. Deeply concerned about the cultural toll taken by Japan's headlong modernization early in this century, Ogai employed the format of newspaper serialization in presenting meticulously researched accounts of individuals who had come to embody exemplary traits and traditional virtues. His unique project, undertaken over the period 19161921, resulted in nine interconnected works, the centerpiece of which is based on the life of Shibue Chusai, an allbutunknown individual toward whom Ogai developed a deep bond of kinship and reverence, much like the sense of discipleship that Marvin Marcus holds toward Ogai.In exploring Ogai's biographical project, Marcus' aim is to convey a sense of its unique power and authority and to show how this power derives from Ogai's deft use of anecdotal episodes to highlight the exemplary character of his subject. Marcus places Ogai's work in the context of a long tradition of biographical narrative in Japan; at the same time he calls attention to the author's relationship to the contemporary literary scene and its journalistic orientation. Ogai's biographical works stand on their own as the unique artistic achievement of a giant of modern Japanese literature and culture. They also constitute a brilliant critique of a society that had lost touch with its traditional values. Marcus' reading of a literature often considered 'inaccessible' or 'elitist' will be relevant to the study of Japanese literature and history as well as to the craft of biographical research and of journalistic conventions that influence writers in Japan as elsewhere.
⚠️ 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: What is the main focus of 'Paragons of the Ordinary'? A: 'Paragons of the Ordinary' centers around the biographical literature of Mori Ogai, highlighting the lives of obscure scholar-literati and their exemplary traits during Japan's modernization.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Marvin Marcus, who explores Ogai's unique biographical project and its significance.
- Q: What is the publication date of the book? A: 'Paragons of the Ordinary' was published on December 1, 1992.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 376 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this edition have? A: This edition of 'Paragons of the Ordinary' is bound in hardcover.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of cultural identity, traditional values, and the critique of modernization in Japan through Ogai's biographical narratives.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, it is suitable for academic study, particularly in the fields of Japanese literature, history, and biographical research.
- Q: What makes Ogai's biographical works unique? A: Ogai's biographical works are unique due to their anecdotal style and the way they highlight traditional virtues while critiquing modernization.
- Q: Does the book include a bibliography or references? A: Yes, it includes references that provide additional context and support for the biographical analyses presented.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is in new condition.