Java: Facts and Fancies (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Augusta De Wit

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9781332145867: Java: Facts and Fancies (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

Discover Java’s wild mix of poetry and daily life, where myths linger in the shade of factory chimneys.

This travelful narrative by Augusta de Wit invites you to see an island where legends and real work share the same sunlit hours, from rice fields to bustling towns.

Through vivid scenes and illustrations, the book explains how the Javanese keep wonder and tradition alive amid modern change. It shines a light on the wayang puppet theater, the skill of the dalang, and the dances that accompany every performance, while detailing how these arts fit into everyday life—from weddings to harvest rituals. It explores the tension between industrial progress and a culture that still honors myth, gods, and ancestral spirits as a living part of society.

  • Learn how wayang puppetry blends drama, religion, and community celebration.
  • Meet the dalang, the versatile artist who directs, plays, sings, and improvises.
  • See how rural beliefs and urban life coexist in Java’s landscapes and markets.
  • Experience a richly illustrated portrait of the island’s people, places, and practices.

Ideal for readers curious about history, culture, and travel, this edition invites you to view Java not just as a place, but as a living tapestry of dreams and daily work.

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