A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower

From BooklistDespite its current business slump, Japan remains an economic powerhouse and, potentially, a major political force in world affairs. Thus, it is useful if ordinary Americans, as well as specialists, obtain an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and history. Henshall, professor of Japanese studies at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, has provided a short but reasonably thorough survey of Japanese history, beginning with the first human settlement of the islands. There are no major surprises here, and Henshall handles controversial issues with an evenhanded approach, declining to advocate a particular position. Still, he offers some useful insights into the Japanese "national character," and he convincingly asserts that the supposed assimilation of Western values is overstated by some historians. This informative and easily digestible work is ideal for general readers who wish to learn more about this important and fascinating nation. Jay FreemanProduct Description02 In a rare collection of comprehensive coverage and sustained critical focus, this book examines Japanese history in its entirety to identify the factors underlying the nation's progression to superpower status. Japan's achievement is explained not merely in economic terms, but at a more fundamental level, as a product of historical patterns of response to circumstance. Japan is shown to be a nation historically impelled by a pragmatic determination to succeed. The book also highlights unresolved questions and little known facts.In a rare collection of comprehensive coverage and sustained critical focus, this book examines Japanese history in its entirety to identify the factors underlying the nation's progression to superpower status. Japan's achievement is explained not merely in economic terms, but at a more fundamental level, as a product of historical patterns of response to circumstance. Japan is shown to be a nation historically impelled by a pragmatic determination to succeed. The book also highlights unresolved questions and little known facts.From Library JournalHenshall, a New Zealand professor of Japanese studies, has written a lively and literate introduction to the vast sweep of Japanese history, providing a well-balanced overview that is accessible to the novice without being at all dumbed down. Although his emphasis is on political history, he devotes enough attention to cultural, literary, religious, and economic developments to give the reader a good sense of these spheres as well. He even manages to flavor the text with excerpts from poetry and key historical documents. Roughly equal weight is given to pre-modern and modern Japan. Henshall focuses on key issues in each of his six chapters and provides very useful tables summarizing both historical chronology and the main values and practices that characterized each period. A paperback version of this book, if made available, would find its way into many university surveys of East Asian history.ASteven I. Levine, Univ. of Montana, MissoulaCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.About the AuthorKenneth G. Henshall is Professor of Japanese Studies in the department of Asian Studies at the University of Canterbury, UK
Author: Henshall, Kenneth G.

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Binding: Hardcover

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0312219865

ISBN-13: 9780312219864