Author Description

Shinto - A Short History Provides An Introductory Outline Of The Historical Development Of Shinto From The Ancient Period Of Japanese History Until The Present Day. Shinto Does Not Offer A Readily Identifiable Set Of Teachings, Rituals Or Beliefs; Individual Shrines And Kami Deities Have Led Their Own Lives, Not Within The Confines Of A Narrowly Defined Shinto, But Rather As Participants In A Religious Field That Included Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian And Folk Elements. Thus, This Book Approaches Shinto As A Series Of Historical 'religious Systems' Rather Than Attempting To Identify.