Richard Bowring traces the development of Japanese religious thought and practice from the introduction of writing to the point at which medieval attitudes gave way to a distinctive pre-modern culture; a change that brought an end to the dominance of religious institutions. A wide range of approaches using the resources of art; history; social and intellectual history; as well as doctrine is brought to bear on the subject in order to give as full a picture as possible of the richness of the Japanese tradition and an overview of how Buddhism and Shintõ interacted in Japanese culture.
#1095925 in Books Cambridge University Press 2006-05-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.98 x .75 x 5.98l; .91 #File Name: 0521619637298 pages
Review
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Good food for thoughtBy R. W. LevesqueThe editors of this book have put together an outstanding series of essays derived from a conference at the Royal Military College; Sandhurst; and later presented at the Marine Corps University; Quantico. The book's theme is stated in the subtitle; "The Importance of History to the Military Profession;" its view point is that the study of military history is critical for the military. There are two introductory chapters. The first; by Editor Williamson Murray; argues that only by studying military history can a soldier begin to understand war. Not that there aren't pitfalls and; "for history to be of any use; its very complexities demand skeptical inquiry rather than reliance on a smattering of inevitably oversimplified historical anecdotes." The second chapter; by eminent military historian Sir Michael Howard; argues that only military history can provide contextual understanding for many more conventional historians in explaining many issues; such as the impact of World War's I and II on society.The rest of the book is divided into two sections; the first focuses on the relationship of military history to the military profession; and the second looks at historical cases that illustrate recurring military problems. The essays rely on academics and on military officers both of whom provide insight into history's role in understanding war. The authors include many familiar names such as LTG (R) Paul Van Riper; USMC; MG (R) Jonathan Bailey; British Army; John Gooch; Colin S. Gray; and the two editors themselves.If you believe military history allows a better understanding of war; or if you just enjoy military history; this book will give you insight into the positive aspects of the field and its pitfalls - and there are many. At the same time; if you tend to believe today's problems are unique; read the book so that you can find the true path.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy bierhausserexcellent book.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent Defense of The Value of Studying Military History For Military ProfessionalsBy Nathan AlbrightThis book is an intriguing collection of essays from American and British civilian and military thinkers on the importance of history to the military profession. Included among this book's essays are thoughtful examinations of the relationship between military history and the history of war; British and American Marine views on he relevance of history to serving military professionals; the sometimes awkward relationship between history and the military education; the role of Thucydides as an educator; a subtle and excellent examination of Clausewitz's views on history and the future strategic world; as well s some intriguing case studies on the Victorian Royal Navy; the Russo-Japanese War; the British army's readiness between WWI and WWII; and terrorism. The closing essay of the book; a frightening examination of the gaps between history and the future of civil-military relations; gives plenty of food for thought in this well-thought out and relevant work.
