Book Review: The Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, translated by Kenchō Suematsu It is the height of the Heian period of Japan when a second son is born to the Emperor. This is the child of his favorite consort, while his first son is the offspring of his primary wife. The Empress is… Continue reading Book Review: The Tale of Genji (Suematsu Translation)
Tag: concubines
Anime Review: The Apothecary Diaries
Anime Review: The Apothecary Diaries As with the manga volume previously reviewed, and the web and light novels the manga was based on, this anime is set in a country that is heavily based on ancient China. Maomao is a promising young apothecary who’s kidnapped and sold into servitude in the “rear palace”, the Emperor’s… Continue reading Anime Review: The Apothecary Diaries
Manga Review: The Apothecary Diaries Volume 1
Manga Review: The Apothecary Diaries Volume 1 story by Natsu Hyuuga, art by Nekokurage Maomao lives in a country that is analogous to, but is not precisely, Ming Dynasty China. Daughter of a skilled but impoverished apothecary, she early showed a talent for the occupation, and is very skilled with drugs and poisons. She grew… Continue reading Manga Review: The Apothecary Diaries Volume 1
Movie Review: Samurai Rebellion (1967)
Movie Review: Samurai Rebellion (1967) directed by Masaki Kobayashi (Japanese title: Joiuchi–Hairyo Tsuma Shimatsu, “Rebellion–Receive the Wife”) The time: 1723-1727 C.E. during the Shogunate period. The place: The Aizu province ruled by Lord Matsudaira, a bit north of Edo. The person: Ichi (Yoko Tsukasa), daughter of a minor vassal. Ichi has been arranged to marry another vassal’s… Continue reading Movie Review: Samurai Rebellion (1967)
Magazine Review: Fantastic Universe October 1955
Magazine Review: Fantastic Universe October 1955 edited by Leo Margulies Fantastic Universe was a digest-sized science fiction and fantasy magazine that ran from 1953 to 1960, originally coming out from King-Size Publications. Its quality is considered to have fallen off after 1956, with lesser stories and more emphasis on pseudo-science articles, but this particular issue… Continue reading Magazine Review: Fantastic Universe October 1955