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Prince Ajatasattu (Buddha, Book 7)

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Prince Ajatasattu (Buddha, Book 7)
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Osamu Tezuka
SeriesBuddha
Series part Volume No. Book 7
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:400
Dimensions(mm): Height 197,Width 150
Category/GenreGraphic novels: Manga
ISBN/Barcode 9780007224579
ClassificationsDewey:741.5952
Audience
General

Publishing Details

Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Imprint HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Publication Date 3 July 2006
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The seventh book in the classic eight volume graphic novel series retelling the story of Buddha, from the godfather of the genre. In book seven, in the kingdom of Magadha, young Prince Ajatasattu agonizes over the prophecy that claims he will one day murder his own father. Deciding that the prediction is false, he believes that the Buddha is to blame and must pay for the rift it has caused between father and son. Meanwhile, the Buddha's closest disciple, Devadatta, is seduced by the political opportunities offered by the discord in Magadha, and urges his master to take full advantage of them. Originated in the 1970s, 'Buddha' is Osamu Tezuka's unparalleled rendition of the life and times of Prince Siddhartha. Tezuka's storytelling genius and consummate skill at visual expression blossom fully as he contextualizes the Buddha's ideas; with an emphasis on, action, emotion, humour and conflict as Prince Siddhartha runs away from home, travels across India and questions Hindu practices such as ascetic self-mutilation and caste oppression. Rather than recommend resignation and impassivity, Tezuka's Buddha predicates enlightenment upon recognising the interconnectedness of life, having compassion for the suffering, and ordering one's life sensibly, his approach is slightly irreverent in that it incorporates something that Western commentators often eschew, namely, humour.

Author Biography

Tezuka Osamu was born the eldest son of three children on November 3rd, 1928, in Toyonaka City, Osaka. An extremely witty and imaginative boy, he grew up in a liberal family exposed to manga and animation. As a boy he also had a love for insects reminiscent of Fabre, and, reflecting the level of his interest in the insect world, later incorporated the ideogram for "insect" into his pen name. Having developed an intense understanding of the preciousness of life from his wartime experience, Tezuka Osamu aimed to become a physician and later earned his license, but ultimately chose the profession he loved best: manga artist and animated film writer. Tezuka Osamu's manga and animated films had a tremendous impact on the shaping of the psychology of Japan's postwar youth. His work changed the concept of the Japanese cartoon, transforming it into an irresistible art form and incorporating a variety of new styles in creating the "story cartoon." Changing the face of literature and movies, his work also influenced a range of other genres. His impact on animated film was equal to that which he had on the manga world. The lovable characters appearing in works such as Japan's first animated TV series "ASTRO BOY," the color animated TV series "Jungle Emperor Leo", and the two-hour animated special "Bander Book," captured the hearts of the Japanese through the medium of television, propelling the animated film to tremendous popularity in Japanese general society. Tezuka Osamu's work was exported to the U.S., Europe, and other Asian countries, becoming the stuff of dreams for children around the world. He also ventured into the world of full-length adult animation, exploring all possibilities of the field of animation. In addition to his record of achievement in TV and commercial animation, he also received international acclaim for his work in experimental animation in his later years. His enduring theme that of the preciousness of life, formed the crux of all of Tezuka Osamu's works. Tezuka Osamu, creator of a great cultural asset and gifted with an unbeatable pioneering spirit combined with an enduring passion for his work and a consistent view to the future, lived out his entire life tirelessly pursuing his efforts, passing away at the age of 60 on February 8th, 1989.

Reviews

'A stunning achievement.' Publishers Weekly 'If you've never tried something like this before, check it out; it's fascinating stuff. An engrossing read that you'll get through in no time. And then you'll want the other seven instalments.' Starburst 'If it weren't for [Tekuza] and his ripping religious yarns, we wouldn't have had Akira.' Arena 'You simply won't find anyhting else quite touches Tezuka's innovative use of the manga format, his humour, his intuitive understanding of human nature and his sympathy for the main characters.' Neo [the UK's number one manga magazine]