A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower / Edition 3

by K. Henshall

Overview

In a rare combination of comprehensive coverage and sustained critical focus, this book examines Japan's progress through its entire history to its current status as an economic, technological, and cultural superpower. A key factor is a pragmatic determination to succeed. Little-known facts are also brought to light, and the latest findings used.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230346611
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	04/17/2012
Edition description:	3rd ed. 2012
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

KENNETH HENSHALL was born in England and is professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. He has published on a range of Japan-related topics such as history, society, language, and literature, and is author of the best-selling etymological work Guide to Remembering Japanese Characters.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Third Edition 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

Editorial Reviews

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 He even manages to flavor the text with excerpts from poetry and key historical documents.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.--Steven I. Levine, Univ. of Montana, Missoula Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Henshall (Japanese studies, U. of Waikato, New Zealand) has written this to be accessible to anyone interested in the history of Japan (it will be a useful text for undergraduate courses). He begins at the very beginning, with ancient Japanese myths of creation, and covers the Stone Age and Yayoi period, moving on through the centuries, tracing dynasties and culture. Three of the six chapters are devoted to the Meiji Period up to the present. Each chapter includes a review and a list of references. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

'One of the most important books in Japanese Studies in recent years.' - Ken Coates, Professor of History, University of New Brunswick, Canada

'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, NewZealand

From the Publisher