Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Emperor of Japan by Donald Keene ISBN: 0-231-12340-X Publisher: Columbia University Press Pub. Date: 15 May, 2002 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $41.50 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 (5 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Meiji: The Definitive Account
Comment: If you are looking for a definitive account of Emperor Meiji and his reign, look no further. Although probably not the first such account written for Western audiences, "Emperor of Japan" may very well be the last. I can't imagine a more exhaustive analysis of this monumental figure in Japanese history.
I came to this book knowing next to nothing about Japanese history, but after several weeks I came away with a very firm grasp of what happened during the Komei and Meiji periods. (Emperor Komei, Meiji's father, was instrumental in setting the stage for his son's reign so is given ample space in this book.) I don't feel like my lack of prior knowledge kept me from enjoying this book. Donald Keene writes very well and explains things clearly.
The events unfold at a deliberate pace and in painstaking detail. Either you will soak it up like a sponge, or you will tire of the book quickly. In fact, if you don't have a lot of time to invest (several weeks) you may want to pass on this book.
If you're looking for an account of the emperor alone, without the surrounding detail, you're out of luck. This book may have more information about Emperor Meiji than any other, but he only features prominently in about 25% or less of the more than 700 pages of text. It's difficult if not impossible to separate the emperor from the men and events that surrounded him. For much of his reign Meiji was more of a figurehead than a decision-maker, which makes it difficult for a biographer to center on the man alone. Also, as previous reviewers have pointed out, he did not keep a diary. Working with court records, personal anecdotes and thousands of tanka (Japanese poems) that Meiji wrote, Keene pieces together the most accurate picture we'll probably ever have of the emperor. At that, he's still not fully understood outside of the historical events and characters that were his world, and even then only partially. (It seems that the emperor will forever remain hopelessly enigmatic.)
Those looking for a detailed account of the Meiji Restoration, the events that immediately preceded it, and the Meiji Era in general will find much to absorb here. "Emperor of Japan" may not be the definitive source for each of these subjects, but as they directly involved and affected Emperor Meiji and his reign they are given a very thorough analysis. (For a more detailed account of the Meiji Restoration, I recommend "Sakamoto Ryoma and the Meiji Restoration" by Marius B. Jansen.)
If you have more than a passing interest in Emperor Meiji, the most beloved but least understood of all Japanese historical figures, "Emperor of Japan" is well worth your time. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4
Summary: Good book but...
Comment: There is no doubt that this is one of the best book in Japanese history. However, I had hard time following the book because I am not familiar with the background of the book. This book is for readers who has good knowledge in Japanese history. Because I was new to Japanese history, it took me long time to understand and follow the story.
So if you are not familiar with Japan's history, watch out, you might get lost!!
Rating: 5
Summary: just one sour note...
Comment: I really don't have nothing more positive to add compared to two previous reviews which speak for itself. The book proves to be everything they stated. However, I would like to add this train of thought which may sound bit negative but something for author to considered in the future. For one, it needs a map. Imperial Japan isn't one of these geographical places many Americans really know about. Maps and diagrams would have been greatly helpful. Second, more photos of historical characters in the book. It would be nice to have faces to go with the names - most who were total unknown to most Americans. I am surprised considering the research involved in this book that Mr. Keene could not add more photos even although he writes about them in the book. Otherwise, the previous two reviews proves to be very accurate. Top notch book that combined biographical as well as historical evolution of the Meiji Emperor and his reign.
 |
Title: Yoshimasa and the Silver Pavilion: The Creation of the Soul of Japan (Asia Perspectives) by Donald Keene ISBN: 0231130562 Publisher: Columbia University Press Pub. Date: November, 2003 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
 |
Title: Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan by Herbert P. Bix ISBN: 0060931302 Publisher: Perennial Pub. Date: 04 September, 2001 List Price(USD): $18.00 |
 |
Title: Inventing Japan, 1853-1964 (Modern Library Chronicles) by Ian Buruma ISBN: 0679640851 Publisher: Modern Library Pub. Date: 04 February, 2003 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
 |
Title: The Great Wave : Gilded Age Misfits, Japanese Eccentrics, and the Opening of Old Japan by Christopher Benfey ISBN: 0375503277 Publisher: Random House Pub. Date: 06 May, 2003 List Price(USD): $25.95 |
 |
Title: The Making of Modern Japan : by Marius B. Jansen ISBN: 0674009916 Publisher: Belknap Pr Pub. Date: October, 2002 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
