Tales of Old Japan
Algernon Freeman-Mitford served at the British legation in Japan in the 1860s, and Tales of Old Japan, published in 1871, was one of the first books to bring Japanese stories to English readers. It opens with the vendetta of the Forty-Seven Rônins and continues with tales of samurai, lovers and commoners such as The Loves of Gompachi and Komurasaki and Kazuma's Revenge, followed by fairy tales like The Tongue-Cut Sparrow and The Crackling Mountain, and ghost stories including The Ghost of Sakura. Mitford adds notes on customs, a set of Buddhist sermons, and appendices on the ceremonies of hara-kiri, marriage, birth and burial, some drawn from scenes and documents he knew at first hand. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first story 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 Tales of Old Japan
Tales of Old Japan by Algernon Freeman-Mitford, Lord Redesdale 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 Tales of Old Japan online?
Yes. Tales of Old 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 Tales of Old Japan free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Tales of Old 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 Tales of Old Japan in the public domain?
Yes. Tales of Old Japan by Algernon Freeman-Mitford, Lord Redesdale 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 Tales of Old Japan?
About 9 h 05 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 Tales of Old Japan?
Tales of Old Japan by Algernon Freeman-Mitford, Lord Redesdale is filed under "Religion & Mythology" in the Vinteuil library.
