Shinto

This brilliant study written in close dialogue with the most recent critical scholarship both in Japanese and English is a welcome addition to the existing literature on Shintō history, a source of valuable teaching material, and more in general a must-read for all those interested in Shintō and its interactions with society throughout Japanese history. * Ugo Dessì, Cardiff University, Religious Studies Review *
Her portrayal of the history of Shinto is based on decades of her own research, and undoubtedly this work will occupy the rank of a standard work for a long time, both for students and specialists in the field. Shinto research will benefit greatly as a whole. After the turning point marked by the revolutionary approach of Kuroda Toshio, international research on Shinto has since then led to a sometimes ideological dogmatization of what might be said and not. Helen Hardacre's book gives a fresh breath to the debate, which can only deepen our further understanding of the still-puzzling topic of Shinto. * Klaus Antoni, University of Tübingen, The Journal of Religion *
Shinto: A History is a well written and interesting book, worth the time of readers with an interest in Shinto or Japanese history in general. * Kenneth J. Valencich, Reading Religion *
This brilliant study... is a welcome addition... a source of valuable teaching material, and more in general a must-read * Ugo Dessi, Religious Studies Review *
Her portrayal of the history of Shinto is based on decades of her own research, and undoubtedly this work will occupy the rank of a standard work for a long time, both for students and specialists in the field. Shinto research will benefit greatly as a whole. After the turning point marked by the revolutionary approach of Kuroda Toshio, international research on Shinto has since then led to a sometimes ideological dogmatization of what might be said and not. Helen Hardacre's book gives a fresh breath to the debate, which can only deepen our further understanding of the still-puzzling topic of Shinto. * Klaus Antoni, Journal of Religion *
Hardacre's achievement in this work will be hard to supersede. This book could be used in all kind of courses, from introductory or advanced undergraduate to graduate seminars, not only on Japanese religions but Japanese culture in general and even on comparative subjects. Students will benefit from the comprehensive and in-depth narration, while the book provides ample clues and opportunities for additional research and revisions. Shinto: A History, which in its comprehensive and encyclopedia nature does not even have a counterpart in Japanese, is a scholarly milestone that will orient for years the study of Shinto and Japanese religions as a whole. * Fabio Rambelli, Journal of Religion in Japan *
At nearly seven hundred pages, it is difficult to think of any adjective other than "magisterial" to describe Hardacre's new survey on Shinto... As the single most comprehensive book on Shinto, Hardacre's book is a must-read...her focus on the problems of indigeneity and the public/private distinction moves the field forward considerably. * Jolyon B. Thomas, H-Net Reviews *
Descriptions of Shinto's influence on art and culture in the medieval era and in popular culture today enrich the readers understanding of Shinto's importance in Japanese society. Although the book is immense, it is also immensely readable, even for non-specialists. * Nova Religio *