Autor: W. G. Aston

William George Aston (1841–1911) was a British diplomat, consular official, and Japanologist revered for his pioneering work in Japanese studies. After joining the British consular service in 1864, Aston was posted in Japan, where he cultivated an interest in the nation»s language, history, and culture. This period abroad shaped his scholarly trajectory, which led to significant contributions to the field, particularly in Japanese language and Shinto studies. Aston»s «Shinto: The ancient religion of Japan» stands as a seminal work, offering one of the first comprehensive English-language surveys of the indigenous faith of Japan. His academic pursuits extended to Korean language and history as well, rendering his expertise instrumental in early Koreanology. Aston»s literary style, reflective of the 19th-century scholarly tradition, seamlessly fused empirical research with narrative prose. His work resonates in the academic community, offering invaluable insights into East Asian studies during a formative period of western academic engagement with the region.