A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower

by Kenneth G. Henshall Narrated by Stephen Bungay

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.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal

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 He even manages to flavor the text with excerpts from poetry and key historical documents.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.

Booknews

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)

From the Publisher

'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

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177984957
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	07/19/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos