The Nobility of Failure

By Ivan Morris,

Book cover of The Nobility of Failure: Tragic Heroes in the History of Japan

Book description

Alexander, Robin Hood, Wellington, George Washington... The Western literatures are packed with the stories—real and otherwise—of diverse heroes, but most of them share the common element of victory. Many of them died heroically to achieve their goals.

In Japan, however, many of the most revered heroes lost their lives without…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Nobility of Failure as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The Japanese love underdogs. Ten are portrayed here, ranging from the 4th to the 20th centuries, with storylines that Shakespeare would’ve stolen if only he’d known about them. A terrific round-up that will inspire you to delve deeper into Japanese history.

From Pamela's list on pre-modern Japan.

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