Japan, Its History and Culture - Softcover

W Scott Morton

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0070434220 ISBN 13: 9780070434226

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1984

Synopsis

Here is an ideal one-volume introduction to the history and culture of Japan, stretching from its earliest known civilization (about 3000 B.C.) to the present. Delightfully written in a continuous narrative form, it traces the many aspects of Japanese art, religion, the imperial court, militarism, race, geography, and agriculture, and carefully analyzes the rich social, political, and economic life of Asia's wealthiest nation. Dr. Morton gives equal treatment to all periods, since each has its importance in the evolving history of the Japanese experience. Most valuable of all, he illuminates the essential, underlying mental set of the people and the society which has propelled the Japanese through their history into the forefront of the twentieth century. More than a chronicle of names and dates, this book casts fascinating sidelights on significant personalities, works of literature, and historic events. A brief chronology offers a quick and easy means of reference. Richly anecdotal and vividly illustrated with a map and thirty-seven photographs, this book presents a panoramic view of Japan, old and new.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

A fascinating look at Japan's complex history

This revised fourth edition of the popular work, "Japan: Its History and Culture, " stretches from the nation's earliest known civilization (about 30009 BCE) to the present. Delightfully written in a continuous narrative form, it traces the many aspects of Japanese art, religion, the imperial court, militarism, race, geography, and agriculture, and carefully analyzes the rich social, political, and economic life of Asia's wealthiest nation.

This new edition also covers the fascinating new developments in Japan. Once a star of postwar industrial production and methods, Japan has encountered serious trouble with market forces in recent years. Social changes and departures from tradition are becoming more common in this conservative country, and the authors document and explain these changes. Seamlessly blending current events, politics, and cultural elements, the authors provide a riveting account of a nation often misunderstood by the West.

More than a chronicle of names and date, this book also casts fascinating sidelights on significant personalities, works of literature, and historic events. A brief chronology offers a quick and easy means of reference. Richly anecdotal and vividly illustrated with a map and many photographs, this book presents a panoramic view of Japan, old and new.

"Comprehensive, thorough, and sensitive, it covers the whole of Japanese activity to the present day. At last there exists a full and balanced assessment of what Japan means."--"The London Times Literary Supplement"

About the Author:

W. Scott Morton (New York, NY) is a full professor emeritus inChinese and Japanese history and culture and in ancient historyat Seton Hall University, in New Jersey. J. Kenneth Olenik, Ph.D. (Upper Montclair, NJ) is a professor ofhistory at Montclair State University.

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Book Company
• Publication date: 1984
• ISBN 10: 0070434220
• ISBN 13: 9780070434226
• Binding: Paperback