Out of the three East Asian civilizations, it appears Japan has gotten the most attention from the West. Japan is neither the oldest or most colorful of the major East Asian cultures. Little do most people know that the Japanese are probably the biggest cultural borrowers that mankind has ever seen. Whether it be aping every western during the Meiji Restoration or copying the Chinese structure of government during the Taiki Reforms. This book is about early Japanese history and how the Japanese copied the art and culture of Korea in the formative years of Yamato. It's a real, but often unacknowledged history that has to be told so the world can put Japanese culture in its correct context when compared to other East Asian cultures. The book itself is good in most regards, but sometimes it is too dogmatic in its presentation. Many pictures to illustrate the author's points. Considering the scarcity of books on this subject, anyone interested in Japan's early past should take a look at this book.

Jon and Alan Covell present evidence of Korea's influence on ancient Japan in a way that is easy to understand. Japan, an economic power today has always denied historical influnce Korean culture has had on its culture. It has even halted archeological excavations on ancient tombs because of the unwanted reality they may provide.

Covell provides some key evidence which provides strong support for the penninsular influence on Japan. Covell organizes the book in a chronological fashion which allows for easy reading. The book also contains many photographs, maps and other visual information to supplement the reading.

If you are interested in East Asian history and have an open mind, this book may prove to be very interesting. If you are not convinced by Corvell concerning the influence of Korea on ancient Japan, the authors at least bring a different perspective to Japan's cultural connection with the continent.

The author reveals what Japanese do not want to admit. Indeed, Japanese culture is influenced by the Korean culture. This scholary writing based on her extensive research reveals the secret of Japanese history. It is an excellent book.

A coffee-table art book filled with photos rather than a work of critical scholarship. The first-half, which concerns itself with the art of shamanism, is pretty good. The second half is an analysis and description of shamanstic rituals; it's not so good. The author clearly knows and cares a lot about Korean shamanism and its art; and he gives a fair coverage of both. But just as clearly he's not a profesional photographer or scholar of religion. I really wanted to know about Korean shamanism and the book was helpful, so even though it's expensive I don't regret buying it at all. If you also really want to know, you won't regret it either.

The first half, focusing on the spirits and the iconography, is excellent. The rest of the book is, frankly, weak on content. It has a good bibliography and some good photography. The book is helpful if you plan to visit Buddhist temples or witness Shamanist kuts. On the other hand, if you are looking for academic work, this isn't it.