The Nobility of Failure: Tragic Heroes in the History of Japan
New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1975.
First Edition. Hardcover. 6-1/4 x 9-1/4", 1/2 black cloth, black paper over boards, xxiii, 500pp, notes, glossary, biblio., index, illus., maps. Item #900382
ISBN: 003010811X
The Nobility of Failure examines the lives and deaths of nine historical individuals from the 4th to the 20th centuries who faced overwhelming odds, and, realizing they were doomed, accepted their fate--to be killed in battle or by execution, to wither in exile, or to escape through ritual suicide. The narratives begin with the tale of Prince Yamato Takeru, whose death climaxed a royal intrigue like that of "Hamlet", and end with the dramatic suicides of the kamikaze pilots of World War II.
A very attractive copy. Tiny bump to upper corner front board, else fine in dust wrapper with a bit of rubbing to extreme edges and a 3/4" tear to top-edge of rear panel, in protective mylar.
Price: $50.00