Japanese Fairy World

William Elliot Griffis was a multifaceted figure who combined his roles as an orientalist, minister, and author. His early life in Philadelphia shaped his diverse interests, and his brief military service during the Civil War marked a pivotal moment. After the war, he pursued higher education at Rutgers University, where he tutored a young Japanese samurai, highlighting his connection to Japan. His subsequent studies at a theological seminary further enriched his intellectual journey, setting the stage for his prolific writing career.