Product Description

The Modern History of Japan: From Tokugawa Times to the Present, Second Edition, paints a richly nuanced and strikingly original portrait of the last two centuries of Japanese history. It takes students from the days of the shogunate - the feudal overlordship of the Tokugawa family - through the modernizing revolution launched by midlevel samurai in the late nineteenth century; the adoption of Western hairstyles, clothing, and military organization; and the nation's first experiments with mass democracy after World War I. Author Andrew Gordon offers the finest synthesis to date of Japan's passage through militarism, World War II, the American occupation, and the subsequent economic rollercoaster. The true ingenuity and value of Gordon's approach lies in his close attention to the non-elite layers of society. Here students will see the influence of outside ideas, products, and culture on home life, labor unions, political parties, gender relations, and popular entertainment. The book examines Japan's struggles to define the meaning of its modernization, from villages and urban neighborhoods, to factory floors and middle managers' offices, to the imperial court. Most importantly, it illuminates the interconnectedness of Japanese developments with world history, demonstrating how Japan's historical passage represents a variation of a process experienced by many nations and showing how the Japanese narrative forms one part of the interwoven fabric of modern history. This second edition incorporates increased coverage of both Japan's role within East Asia - particularly with China, Korea, and Manchuria - as well as expanded discussions of cultural and intellectual history. With a sustained focus on setting modern Japan in a comparative and global context, The Modern History of Japan, Second Edition, is ideal for undergraduate courses in modern Japanese history, Japanese politics, Japanese society, or Japanese culture.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #115590 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

Customer Reviews

Very Concise and Detailed Account of Modern Japan
If you're looking for a book that gives concise and practical information about modern Japan...in an easy-to-understand format...then this is definitely the book for you. There is no way that you can go wrong with a book like this. Why? Not only is the content full and easy to digest (just what students need!), there is also a neutral voice in terms of narration. I find that there is no presence of bias within these pages- which is another thing that is vital when learning. There are many details from which the reader can formulate a mental picture of the circumstances and motives that have contributed to Japan's history. And get this! Ther's a webpage. The webpage is filled with study questions and historical documents (ex. Japan's Constitution- a must have) to keep the interactive student happy. What else? Plenty of pictures in the book. Black and white, but perfect. They all capture the important times for Japan. Also a wonderful exterior and interior book design. Chapters 15-20 pages long. Also, chapters have subcategories so you know what you're reading about. Anything else needed besides you? A MUST BUY!

A College Textbook
I mistakenly didn't realise that this is a college textbook. It also reads like a college textbook on Japanese history. As a matter of fact it feels like I am studying! Anyway, a fine book but be warned, it's like taking Modern Japanese History 101.