Kasulis (comparative studies, Ohio State U.) begins by exploring the fundamental concepts of the traditional Japanese religion, and surveying some of the everyday practices and their meaning. Then he traces the history of Shinto from prehistory to the present, particularly explaining how a deep reverence for nature and order can be consistent with nationalism and kamikazes. He appends a guide to pronouncing transliterated Japanese. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR