The chrysanthemum and the sword

A recognized classic of cultural anthropology, this book explores the political, religious, and economic life of Japan from the seventh century through the mid-twentieth, as well as personal family life.

Ruth Benedict (born June 5, 1887, New York, N.Y., U.S.—died Sept. 17, 1948, New York City) was an American anthropologist whose theories had a profound influence on cultural anthropology, especially in the area of culture and personality.

Benedict graduated from Vassar College in 1909, lived in Europe for a year, and then settled in California, where she taught in girls’ schools. In 1914 she re …