Hara-Kiri: Japanese Ritual Suicide - Softcover

Seward, Jack

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0804802319 ISBN 13: 9780804802314

Publisher: Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1968

Synopsis

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

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 documentsmany of them scrolls in the Japanese archivesthat 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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Charles E. Tuttle Co.
• Publication date: 1968
• ISBN 10: 0804802319
• ISBN 13: 9780804802314
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 116