Angelica Varley's Japanese Quotes: A Critique of His Approach to Japanese History and Culture

When it comes to understanding the complexities of Japanese history and culture, one book that often stands out is Angelica Varley's 'A History of Japanese Art'. While Varley's work has been praised for its depth and detail, some critics have argued that his approach to Japanese history and culture is flawed. In this article, we will explore some of the criticisms leveled against Varley's work and examine whether his approach to Japanese history and culture is effective.

One of the main criticisms of Varley's work is that he often makes sweeping claims without providing sufficient evidence or context. For example, when discussing the development of Nara, Varley states that China had a 'civilizing influence' on Japan, but fails to provide any concrete examples or explanations for how this occurred. Similarly, when comparing Japanese and Indian cultures, Varley notes that while Indians have traditionally focused on metaphysical and religious speculation, the Chinese are among the world's greatest record-keepers. However, he does not provide any further context or explanation for why this might be the case.

Another criticism of Varley's work is that his approach to Japanese history and culture is often too narrow. While he provides extensive detail on art periods and styles, he neglects other important aspects of Japanese history and culture. For example, when discussing the Soga clan, Varley explains their role in the development of Buddhism in Japan, but fails to provide any analysis or explanation for why they might have suddenly opposed reform after years pursuing it under Prince Shotoku.

Despite these criticisms, Varley's work does have some value as an educational resource. His explanations of Japanese art history and basic aspects of Shinto are clear and accessible, making his book a useful introduction to the subject for those new to Japanese studies. However, readers should be aware that Varley's approach is not without its limitations, and that other sources may provide more comprehensive or nuanced understandings of Japanese history and culture.

In conclusion, while Angelica Varley's 'A History of Japanese Art' has been praised for its depth and detail, some critics have argued that his approach to Japanese history and culture is flawed. His tendency to make sweeping claims without sufficient evidence or context, as well as his narrow focus on certain aspects of Japanese history and culture, are both criticisms that can be leveled against his work. Nevertheless, Varley's book does have some educational value as a resource for those interested in learning more about Japanese art history and basic aspects of Shinto.

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