Bushido, the Soul of Japan
Bushido, the Soul of Japan was written in English by Inazo Nitobe and first published in 1900 to explain to Western readers the ethical code of the samurai. In short chapters he treats its sources in Buddhism, Shinto and Confucianism, then its virtues one by one: rectitude, courage, benevolence, politeness, veracity, honor, loyalty and self-control. Further chapters consider the training of a samurai, the institution of ritual suicide, the sword, the position of women, and whether Bushido can survive in a modern nation. Nitobe, a Christian educated in America and Germany, draws constant comparisons with European chivalry and Christian ethics. The book became one of the most widely read accounts of Japanese character abroad. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Bushido, the Soul of Japan
Bushido, the Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Bushido, the Soul of Japan online?
Yes. Bushido, the Soul of Japan opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Bushido, the Soul of Japan free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Bushido, the Soul of Japan is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Bushido, the Soul of Japan in the public domain?
Yes. Bushido, the Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Bushido, the Soul of Japan?
About 2 h 14 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Bushido, the Soul of Japan?
Bushido, the Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
