Preface Introduction: Japan and History From the Stone Age to Statehood: Myths, Prehistory, and Ancient History Of Courtiers and Warriors: Early and Medieval History (710-1600) The Closed Country: the Tokugawa Period (1600-1868) Building a Modern Nation: the Meiji Period (1868-1912) The Excesses of Ambition: the Pacific War and Its Lead-up A Phoenix from the Ashes: Post-War Successes and Beyond Conclusion: Lessons for Aspiring Superpowers References Glossary of Japanese Terms Index
KENNETH G.HENSHALL is Associate Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. The author has a first-class honours degree in Japanese from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London and obtained a doctorate in modern Japanese literature from the University of Sydney, and postgraduate qualifications in education from the University of Adelaide. He has taught at the University of Auckland, The University of Western Australia, and the University of California at Berkeley, as well as holding a number of research fellowships at universities in Japan. Best known for his books on language and literature, which include the bestselling Guide to Remembering Japanese Characters and several translations of the Japanese naturalist writer Tayama Katai, Kenneth G.Henshall's main interest at present is to introduce Japan to a wider audience, and from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Henshall, 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 He even manages to flavor the text with excerpts from poetry and key historical documents.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.ÄSteven I. Levine, Univ. of Montana, Missoula Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
'One of the most important books in Japanese studies in recent years.' - Ken Coates, Professor of History, University of New Brunswick
'In making the history of this remarkable society accessible to a wider public Professor Henshall has performed a most valuable service.' - Derek Massarella, Professor of Economic History, Chuo University, Japan
'An extraordinary book that will appeal to student, specialist, and
general reader alike.' - Laurie Barber, Professor of History, University of Waikato
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
