Jewel in the Ashes: Buddha Relics and Power in Early Medieval Japan

Rating:
Summary: A great work
Review: I am not a historian, hence my review may be rather subjective. While this book would in general only be of interest to people involved in research of Japanese history, I read it for a class assignement and found it very enjoyable.
Understanding of this book requires some basic knowlege of Japanese history. Given that, the book is very easy to read. Ruppert does a great job covering a multitude of aspects of Japanese society in which relic veneration had a role, while not "dragging out" discussion of any particular topic.I would definitelly recommend this book to anyone who in has an interest in the role of buddhism in medieval Japan.