Japan: From Prehistory to Modern Times

Japan: From Prehistory to Modern Times traces the principal threads of Japan's political and cultural life from early times through the mid-twentieth century. In an informative and engaging narrative, the author presents a carefully balanced and authoritative picture of Japan's transformation from a secluded, little known and backward country, with a fundamentally "Eastern" culture, to one of the leading nations of the modern world. The importance of Japan's feudal political and social institutions, and the ways these have changed and diversified over 2,000 years, its maritime orientation and its strong sense of nationality are also examined in relation to the way in which the Japanese have assimilated elements from two contrasting great traditions: the Chinese zone of civilization from the sixth to the mid-nineteenth century and, after 1854, the expanding frontiers of Western influence. This volume, which brings all of the resources of modern historical scholarship to bear upon its subject, provides a rich and accessible case study of national growth and development. The book is profusely illustrated with maps and photographs that elucidate and complement the text (taken from back cover).