034 - How a Man was Bewitched and had His Head Shaved by the Foxes

Dive into the enchanting world of Tales of Old Japan, a captivating collection by Lord Redesdale that explores the rich tapestry of Japanese life during the Edo period (1803 - 1868). This anthology features timeless Japanese stories, fairy tales, and folklore, alongside insightful sermons and non-fiction pieces that illuminate significant ceremonies in Japanese culture, such as marriage and harakiri. Among these tales, the renowned story of The Forty-seven Ronins stands out—a gripping true account of samurai vengeance from the early 18th century. Written by Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, 1st Baron Redesdale (1837 - 1916), a British diplomat who witnessed the transformative Meiji Restoration, this work was published in 1871 and continues to resonate with readers today.