Tales of Old Japan


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.4 stars; 127 reviews)

Tales of Old Japan by Lord Redesdale is a collection of short stories focusing on Japanese life of the Edo period (1803 - 1868). It contains a number of classic Japanese stories, fairy tales, and other folklore; as well as Japanese sermons and non-fiction pieces on special ceremonies in Japanese life, such as marriage and harakiri, as observed by Lord Redesdale. The best know story of these is "The Forty-seven Ronins" a true account of samurai revenge as it happened at the beginning of 18th century Japan.

Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, 1st Baron Redesdale (1837 - 1916) was a British diplomat, collector and writer. He worked in Japan as second secretary to the British Legation at the time of the Meiji Restoration. He wrote Tales of Old Japan in 1871. (13 hr 40 min)

Chapters

Preface 4:26 Read by Availle
The Forty-Seven Ronins, part 1 29:02 Read by Availle
The Forty-Seven Ronins, part 2 31:36 Read by Availle
The Loves of Gompachi and Komurasaki, part 1 18:57 Read by Some Old Bird
The Loves of Gompachi and Komurasaki, part 2 33:17 Read by Viridian
Kazuma's Revenge 40:17 Read by Caroline Driggs
Story of the Otokodate of Yedo, part 1 25:29 Read by Availle
Story of the Otokodate of Yedo, part 2 27:57 Read by Availle
Story of the Otokodate of Yedo, part 3 28:36 Read by Availle
Story of the Otokodate of Yedo, part 4 23:29 Read by Availle
Story of the Otokodate of Yedo, part 5 30:14 Read by Availle
The Wonderful Adventures of Funakoshi Jiuyemon, part 1 29:33 Read by C. L. W. Rollins
The Wonderful Adventures of Funakoshi Jiuyemon, part 2 28:34 Read by C. L. W. Rollins
The Eta Maiden and the Hatamoto, part 1 26:25 Read by Viridian
The Eta Maiden and the Hatamoto, part 2 26:19 Read by Viridian
Fairy Tales 1:34 Read by bish
The Tongue Cut Sparrow 4:13 Read by bish
The Accomplished and Lucky Teakettle 3:09 Read by Stephanie Lee
The Crackling Mountain 4:20 Read by Stephanie Lee
The Story of the Old Man Who Made Withered Trees to Blossom 6:02 Read by Amy Gramour
The Battle of the Ape and the Crab 3:58 Read by Kalynda
The Adventures of Little Peachling 4:30 Read by Nadine Eckert-Boulet
The Foxes' Wedding 3:29 Read by Nadine Eckert-Boulet
The History of Sataka Kintoki 4:12 Read by Nadine Eckert-Boulet
The Elves and the Envious Neighbor 2:54 Read by Nadine Eckert-Boulet
The Ghost of Sakura, part 1 22:19 Read by Viglione
The Ghost of Sakura, part 2 24:35 Read by Viglione
The Ghost of Sakura, part 3 26:16 Read by Viglione
The Ghost of Sakura, part 4 12:39 Read by Viglione
How Tajima Shume was Tormented by a Devil of his Own Creation 10:52 Read by JenniferW
Concerning Certain Superstitions 2:28 Read by bish
The Vampire Cat of Nabeshima 14:23 Read by Stephanie Lee
The Story of the Faithful Cat 3:36 Read by bish
How a Man was Bewitched and had His Head Shaved by the Foxes 11:15 Read by Amy Gramour
The Grateful Foxes 11:27 Read by Caroline Driggs
The Badger's Money 8:33 Read by Stephanie Lee
The Prince and the Badger 6:35 Read by Kalynda
Japanese Sermons 15:51 Read by A. J. Carroll
Sermon I 25:28 Read by A. J. Carroll
Sermon II 25:51 Read by A. J. Carroll
Sermon III 22:51 Read by A. J. Carroll
Appendix A: An Account of the Hara-Kiri, part 1 34:51 Read by Availle
Appendix A: An Account of the Hara-Kiri, part 2 33:35 Read by Availle
Appendix A: An Account of the Hara-Kiri, part 3 22:06 Read by Availle
Appendix B: The Marriage Ceremony 24:46 Read by Bellona Times
Appendix B: On the Birth and Bearing of Children 12:14 Read by Joyce Couch
Appendix B: Funeral Rites 5:24 Read by Martin Gradwell

Reviews

Stories read by Availle:


(5 stars)

I have trouble paying attention to the stories because her voice is so soothing and beautiful...


(5 stars)

The reader's voice is so soothing and beautiful... I agree with you avaville lover. Andy and the person who wrote the one under mine is sooooo wrong! The names are perfect!!!!!

Tales of Old Japan


(5 stars)

A wonderful text filled with many interesting short stories and insights on Japan. Written shortly after Japan opened up to the world.

nice change of pace


(5 stars)

I usually listen to horror and suspense, this still has those elements but it feels different. Many thanks to the readers!


(3 stars)

glad I listened to these well narrated tales but it was the stories that were not as dynamic and interesting as I had hoped


(5 stars)

a much loved collection of tales. factual as well...for the most part. I love her voice and accent. pronunciation of names is unmatched.

Amazing!


(5 stars)

I just looooove Japan! I hope you guys could post more english-translation of some horror novels, too! (???)

tales and ceremonies of old Japan


(5 stars)

Entertain a philosophical story's with detailed descriptions of traditional ceremonial events