Lust, Commerce, and Corruption: An Account of What I Have Seen and Heard, by an Edo Samurai (Translations from the Asian Classics)
Language: English
Published by Columbia University Press, 2014
- Hardcover
- Used

Seller: Textbook Bookie, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A.Textbook Bookie
AbeBooks seller since October 5, 2026
Condition: Used - Good
US$ 22.49
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Book in Good condition.
Seller Inventory # 9780231166447-good
- Title
- Lust, Commerce, and Corruption: An Account of What I Have Seen and Heard, by an Edo Samurai (Translations from the Asian Classics)
- Publisher
- Columbia University Press
- Publication year
- 2014
- Condition
- Good
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0231166443
- ISBN 13
- 9780231166447
Yet, in that year, an anonymous samurai author completed one of the most detailed critiques of Edo society known today. Writing as Buyo Inshi, "a retired gentleman of Edo," he expresses a profound despair with the state of the realm and with people's behavior and attitudes. He sees decay wherever he turns and believes the world will soon descend into war.
Buyo shows a familiarity with many corners of Edo life that one might not expect in a samurai. He describes the corruption of samurai officials; the suffering of the poor in villages and cities; the operation of brothels; the dealings of blind moneylenders; the selling and buying of temple abbotships; and the dubious strategies townspeople use in the law courts. Perhaps the frankness of his account, which contains a wealth of concrete information about Edo society, made him prefer to remain anonymous.
This volume contains a full translation of Buyo's often-quoted but rarely studied work by a team of specialists on Edo society. Together with extensive annotation of the translation, the volume includes an introduction that situates the text culturally and historically.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Kate Wildman Nakai is a professor emerita at Sophia University, Tokyo. Her research focuses on Tokugawa and modern history, with an emphasis on intellectual developments.
Miyazaki Fumiko is professor of Japanese history at Keisen University in Tokyo. Her research focuses on Tokugawa religion and society.
Anne Walthall is professor of Japanese history and director of the Center for Asian Studies at the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on society and gender during the Tokugawa period.
John Breen is a professor at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, Kyoto, where he edits the journal Japan Review. His research focuses on issues of state and religion in Japan.
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Textbook Bookie
Little Rock, AR, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since October 5, 2026
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 7 to 14 business days | 3 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 4.25 | US$ 7.00 |
Payment methods
Store description
Your trusted source for textbooks for nearly 28 years. Since 1998, Textbook Bookie and its affiliates have provided quality new and used textbooks at affordable prices. We take pride in accurate listings, fast shipping, and friendly, dependable customer service. Orders received before 12 PM CT ship the same business day. Orders received after 12 PM may ship the same day but are not guaranteed to ship until the next business day. If you have any questions or concerns with your order, please contact us through AbeBooks. We’re always happy to help! Thank you for choosing Textbook Bookie and its affiliates!…
Specialty
TextbooksSeller's business information
Textbook Bookie
AR, U.S.A.
Terms of sale
We have a 14 day return policy. The return must be postmarked within 14 days of the delivery date. If you are unable to have the item postmarked within 14 days of the delivery date, please contact us for further information. Once the item has been returned, we will initiate an item-only refund (shipping costs are non- refundable). The item must be returned in the same condition as it was advertised. Please contact us prior to returning the item if the condition of the item received is not the same as the condition advertised. Items returned to other locations other then the one specified below will be subject to additional restocking fees. Items not postmarked within 14 days of delivery and received back in store during this time will also be subject to additional restocking fees. Please use Media Mail Shipping and obtain return tracking on all items being shipped back for return. Please do not mark the item "Return or Sender" or "Refuse." Please return the item to the address on the returns information for AbeBooks. If you have any questions regarding this return policy, please contact us prior to returning the item. Thank you for your understanding. Textbook Bookie 316 N 10th Street Arkadelphia AR 71293 870-246-2181 textbookbookie@texastext.net Customer Service Manager: Krystin
Shipping terms
Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.