Ruth Benedict

The Chrysanthemum and the Sword is a timeless work that has defined much of our present understanding of Japan. "How and why does Japanese culture differ from our own?" and "Why is it seemingly so self-contradictory?" are just some of the questions addressed in this landmark study. In her book, Benedict explains the importance of Japanese social structures including hierarchy,...

"One of the best books ever about Japanese society...[A] thoughtful, nuanced study of the Japanese character." -U.S. News & World Report "A classic of Japanese cultural studies... debunks the stereotype of the Japanese as hopelessly rigid and incapable of change." -The New York Times First published in 1946, The Chrysanthemum and the Sword is renowned for its insights into Japanese...