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  • History of Japan

    I realize it is a complex one, but does anyone know of a fairly concise history of that fascinating country. I watch so much Japanese television, especiall historical series, that it would be good to have some basic context.

  • #2
    Re: History of Japan

    Albert, I'll ask the Alpha Female when we are both home tonight. She has studied Japanese culture and language since her sma-keed days in Kane`ohe, and lived in Kyoto for a year (studying tea ceremony). She's bound to have a helpful thought or two.

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    • #3
      Re: History of Japan

      Here's what AFK suggests (and these should be easy to locate at a library, used-book store, etc.):

      For a concise history of Japan, try "A Short Cultural History of Japan" by Sir George Bailey Sansom, who has also written a lengthier multi-volume history collection.

      For an interesting cultural sampling, find "All-Japan: The Catalogue of Everything Japanese," originally published in the mid-1980s.

      For a great read about Japanese life over the centuries, the novel "Japanese Inn" by Oliver Statler is very true-to-life.

      Lastly, almost any Lafcadio Hearn will give useful insights, but start with "Out of the East: Reveries and Studies in New Japan."

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      • #4
        Re: History of Japan

        I agree with George Sansom's Japan: Short Cultural History. I might also add Ruth Benedict’s The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture. However, both of these are not really concise, or necessarily easy to read. Sansom's book is about 500 pages (but that is considerably shorter than his 3 volume History). Both are considered classics, and therefore easy to find.

        What I do remember when I tried to read these books is that, compared to U.S. history, Japanese history is very long (and complicated). But it’s also fascinating.

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        • #5
          Re: History of Japan

          Thanks very much for the suggestions!

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