This is a magnificent compendium of Japanese folk tales translated from collections made between about 1100 and 1350. They largely concern the time in Japan's history from 850 to 1050, a cultural peak now considered "classical" Japan. At that time, Japan was largely Buddhist, agrarian, and ruled by a hereditary nobility and Emporer.
Tyler read through many more tales than the 220 that appear in the book in order to extract stories that covered key themes. The tales are arranged in groups of 4 to 6 that cover certain topics like "Love and Loss," "Lotus Tales," and "Foxes." And Tyler often provides a skillful transition between the groups.
These tales are not like Western folklore. The style is different, as are the messages. Tyler provides a fascinating and very useful introduction that is beneficial for all readers, and indeed essential for beginners to Japanese writing. More than 50 pages long, it covers the basics of Buddhism, language, nobility, culture, and geography (with apologies for its inadequacy on these huge topics!). With this background, the stories make more sense.
Reading these tales and realizing that they are the cultural backdrop to Japanese society also opens up some understanding of the Japanese people. Japan has gone through several major cultural shifts since the 11th century, of course, so the analogy is not literal any more than The Canterbury Tales or even Grimm's Fairy Tales define Western people. But surely one can see the particularly Japanese balance between individual and group, and the tendency toward adaptation rather than confrontation, in the stories.
The collection won't be for everyone, with its Asian focus on enlightenment through meditation and compassion rather than grand heroics, and its soft writing style that provides little in the way of drama. But if you can appreciate the zen of storytelling, you will be engaged by these tales and enjoy flowing along with them. I rate the book a "+".
Copyright © Kim Allen 2003
