<p>In "Shinto: The Ancient Religion of Japan," W. G. Aston meticulously explores the historical and cultural tapestry of Shinto, presenting it as not merely a religion but a foundational aspect of Japanese identity. Aston's scholarly work is characterized by a rich, descriptive style infused with a blend of anthropological insight and historical critique. The book delves into the origins of Shinto, its deities, rituals, and its evolutionary traje...