Hara-kiri

Japanese Ritual Suicide

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Death & Dying, History, Asian, Japan, Anthropology
Cover of the book Hara-kiri by Jack Seward, Tuttle Publishing
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Author: Jack Seward ISBN: 9781462907625
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing Publication: July 17, 2012
Imprint: Tuttle Publishing Language: English
Author: Jack Seward
ISBN: 9781462907625
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Publication: July 17, 2012
Imprint: Tuttle Publishing
Language: English

Hari-Kiri is a definitive text on Japanese ritual suicide, also known as suppuku.

To the average westerner, the word hara-kiri conjures up an image of excruciating, self-inflicted pain; of a deep, fatal incision. To the Japanese, this kind of suicide embodies the best qualities of courage, honor, and discipline.

Through extensive research, author Jack Seward brings to the English-speaking public a dissertation on the subject that is thoroughly enlightening. Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing Japanese, he was able to glean information from ancient documents-many of them scrolls in the Japanese archives-that few foreigners have seen. The earliest writings on hara-kiri (known more formally as seppuku) are thus revealed, as are the intricate rituals surrounding the ceremony.

"The major purpose of this book," says the author, "is to clarify the historical and sociological significance of a unique method of self-destruction." In fulfilling this purpose, author Seward has come up with a definitive work that is sure to arouse interest both as a scholarly effort and as simple, fascinating reading.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Hari-Kiri is a definitive text on Japanese ritual suicide, also known as suppuku.

To the average westerner, the word hara-kiri conjures up an image of excruciating, self-inflicted pain; of a deep, fatal incision. To the Japanese, this kind of suicide embodies the best qualities of courage, honor, and discipline.

Through extensive research, author Jack Seward brings to the English-speaking public a dissertation on the subject that is thoroughly enlightening. Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing Japanese, he was able to glean information from ancient documents-many of them scrolls in the Japanese archives-that few foreigners have seen. The earliest writings on hara-kiri (known more formally as seppuku) are thus revealed, as are the intricate rituals surrounding the ceremony.

"The major purpose of this book," says the author, "is to clarify the historical and sociological significance of a unique method of self-destruction." In fulfilling this purpose, author Seward has come up with a definitive work that is sure to arouse interest both as a scholarly effort and as simple, fascinating reading.

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