Author
Basil Hall Chamberlain
1850-1935
Basil Hall Chamberlain (1850-1935) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Basil Hall Chamberlain
The Invention of a New Religion
"The Invention of a New Religion" by Basil Hall Chamberlain is a critical essay written in the early 20th century. The book examines the emergence of a new form of religion in Japan, specifically focusing on the worship of the Emperor as a divine figure alongside the promotion of patriotic ideologies. Chamberlain, an esteemed scholar of Japanese culture, analyzes how contemporary Japanese society has crafted this new religious framework, influenced by political needs and historical contexts. In this insightful work, Chamberlain argues that the new Japanese religion arose as a construct to unify the nation and serve the interests of the governing elite. He discusses how the Shinto principles were revitalized to support the Emperor's authority and legitimize the state's power, while drawing parallels with historical examples of fabricated religious identities. He critiques the manipulation of history and mythology by the Japanese bureaucracy, emphasizing the contradictions inherent in their narrative of loyalty and empowerment. Throughout the book, Chamberlain illustrates how this constructed belief system affects not only the political landscape but also the cultural identity of the Japanese people, creating a complex relationship between historical truth and contemporary belief.
Aino Folk-Tales
"Aino Folk-Tales" by Basil Hall Chamberlain is a collection of traditional folk tales from the Ainu people, written in the late 19th century. This work not only presents these stories but also provides insights into the culture, beliefs, and worldview of the Aino, an indigenous group in Japan. It follows various mythic characters, animals, and gods, revealing themes of morality, nature, and the supernatural woven through their narratives. At the start of the collection, Chamberlain sets the stage by introducing the Ainos and their historical context, drawing attention to their unique traits and the gradual encroachment of Japanese culture. He then shares some brief narratives, including folktales that explain natural phenomena, illustrate moral lessons, and provide whimsical accounts of human-animal interactions. Stories about the origins of various animals, how certain natural features came to be, and moral tales like “The Kind Giver and the Grudging Giver” explore the Aino perspective on society and nature, emphasizing interpersonal relationships and moral choices. Through these tales, readers gain a deeper appreciation of Aino folklore and its significance in understanding this fascinating culture.
The Silly Jelly-Fish Told in English
"The Silly Jelly-Fish" by Basil Hall Chamberlain is a whimsical fairy tale likely written during the early 20th century. This children's story revolves around fantastical elements featuring dragons and a jellyfish, encapsulating themes of adventure and humor. The narrative is centered on the trials of a young dragon queen and highlights the lengths to which her husband, the dragon king, will go to secure a cure for her sickness. In the story, the dragon queen falls ill and insists on eating a live monkey's liver as a remedy, prompting the dragon king to send his jellyfish servant on a quest to fetch a monkey. After successfully finding a monkey, the cunning creature spins a tale to avoid being captured, ultimately leading the jellyfish back to the dragon king empty-handed. The jellyfish faces punishment for his naiveté, which is humorously linked to the jellyfish's characteristic lack of bones. By the end, the dragon queen resolves to recover on her own, illustrating a blend of absurdity and moral lesson inherent in classic fairy tales.