A Brief History of Japan: Samurai, Shogun and Zen: The Extraordinary Story of the Land of the Rising Sun (Brief History of Asia Series)
Product ID: 45073233
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This fascinating history tells the story of the people of Japan, from ancient teenage priest-queens to teeming hordes of salarymen, a nation that once sought to conquer China, yet also shut itself away for two centuries in self-imposed seclusion. First revealed to Westerners in the chronicles of Marco Polo, Japan was a legendary faraway land defended by a fearsome Kamikaze storm and ruled by a divine sovereign. It was the terminus of the Silk Road, the furthest end of the known world, a fertile source of inspiration for European artists, and an enduring symbol of the mysterious East. In recent times, it has become a powerhouse of global industry, a nexus of popular culture, and a harbinger of post-industrial decline. With intelligence and wit, author Jonathan Clements blends documentary and storytelling styles to connect the past, present and future of Japan, and in broad yet detailed strokes reveals a country of paradoxes: a modern nation steeped in ancient traditions; a democracy with an emperor as head of state; a famously safe society built on 108 volcanoes resting on the world's most active earthquake zone; a fast-paced urban and technologically advanced country whose land consists predominantly of mountains and forests. Among the chapters in this Japanese history book are: The Way of the Gods: Prehistoric and Mythical Japan A Game of Thrones: Minamoto vs. Taira Time Warp: 200 Years of Isolation The Stench of Butter: Restoration and Modernization The New Breed: The Japanese Miracle Review: easy read - Good book. Very informative. Review: A concise summary of twenty six centuries of history - One of the first things Mr. Clements tells us is that any written history of Japan, in Japan before the eighth century CE (AD), was destroyed in the eighth century when two historiesโmuch mythologicalโwere written down. Given this, the author reconstructs something of what might be realistic history from the seventh century BCE (BC) based on fragments, archeology, and history that mentions Japan coming from China. Much, it seems, of Japan comes by way of China and, more so, Korea in these early times and on up to the fifteenth century. Once we reach the ninth century CE, there is more substance to the story than myth, and Mr. Clemens relates matters of state and commerce in a style that makes accessible the complex machinations of the Japanese court and its relation to the families of the main island and outer provinces. We are brought up to modern times through the development of a sophisticated commercial society if one governed in a way that seemed alien to Europeans of the Industrial Revolution. We then come up to the early twenty-first century through the pre-war years, the war, and the post-war period. These last parts are told a little more quickly than the first, but they are, after all, very well documented. Interestingly, it is only in the modern period, and only with regard to their mythology, that Clements mentions โthe Ninja!โ Of course, a โbrief historyโ must leave out much detail. I know more about Japan than I did before!
| Best Sellers Rank | #46,874 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #18 in Japanese History (Books) #19 in Cultural Anthropology (Books) #24 in General Japan Travel Guides |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 777 Reviews |
J**L
easy read
Good book. Very informative.
M**T
A concise summary of twenty six centuries of history
One of the first things Mr. Clements tells us is that any written history of Japan, in Japan before the eighth century CE (AD), was destroyed in the eighth century when two historiesโmuch mythologicalโwere written down. Given this, the author reconstructs something of what might be realistic history from the seventh century BCE (BC) based on fragments, archeology, and history that mentions Japan coming from China. Much, it seems, of Japan comes by way of China and, more so, Korea in these early times and on up to the fifteenth century. Once we reach the ninth century CE, there is more substance to the story than myth, and Mr. Clemens relates matters of state and commerce in a style that makes accessible the complex machinations of the Japanese court and its relation to the families of the main island and outer provinces. We are brought up to modern times through the development of a sophisticated commercial society if one governed in a way that seemed alien to Europeans of the Industrial Revolution. We then come up to the early twenty-first century through the pre-war years, the war, and the post-war period. These last parts are told a little more quickly than the first, but they are, after all, very well documented. Interestingly, it is only in the modern period, and only with regard to their mythology, that Clements mentions โthe Ninja!โ Of course, a โbrief historyโ must leave out much detail. I know more about Japan than I did before!
V**T
a nicely done book on Japan
Gifting to my family who went to Japan and loved it. They all want to return. Hoping this book keeps them going until they have a chance to get back there.
R**N
Not what I expected
I was hoping for a more indepth work of history. Sadly, this is not that. This is more of a shallow study turned into a "story book" written for the reader without a quest for academic work. Quite disappointing to say the least. Look elsewhere for history.
C**D
Many Clans & Emperor's over time
The author provides interesting background on the evolution of Japan's peoples from prehistoric times to present. Maps of the areas being discussed would help for those who are unfamiliar with Japan's climatic changes and ecological changes. Land bridges, returned geography to the seas, population isolation, the dichotomy of aristocrats and peasantry, overuse of land and timber, nomadic clannish lifestyle and a clash of Shinto, Buddhist and Confucian contribute to the dynamics of Japan. It's believed predecessors, China and high born Korean families provide interceding influences as well as the Europeans. Will need to update this review when I'm finished with the book.
D**Z
a simplistic overview-yes, but owe so helpful as framework!
A simplistic overview. However, it provided me with a great framework to use to study further. I loved the story telling feel.
V**R
Works as expected.
Works as expected.
A**R
good thumbnail sketch
The author does a good job of capsulizing millenniums of history. The writing style is informational without being pedantic or too breezy.
A**.
Didรกctico
Muy recomendable sobretodo si vas a viajar a Japรณn. Una introducciรณn a su historia entretenida y didรกctica.
S**Y
Great introduction to Japan History
Great reading with each historical chapter starting with a novel-like anecdote. It sometimes feels like the author is fast-forwarding through events but it is quite challenging to squeeze all of Japan history into 250 pages. Overall, great introduction to Japan history for the uninitiated !
S**A
Compelling and entertaining read
Capsule history of Japan excellently written. A compelling and entertaining read. I was travelling to Japan and this was just the book I needed to get a good glimpse into the history of the country in a short time. You can always go deeper into the periods or aspects that interest you-check out the short but comprehensive bibliography.
Q**A
An interesting and informative brief history
I love this book! I'm halfway through so far, but the writing style is great, easy to follow and quite fun. A lot of history books tend to be quite stiff and hard for me to keep my focus on but this has been good for me. While brief, it is still packed with information but allows me to go off on my own to find more information when I find something really interesting.
N**S
Brief but not deficient
very good
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