Japan: A Concise History

To condense over 2000 years of Japanese history into 300 pages is no easy feat. So Meyer's "Japan : A Concise History" is an excellent introduction to the topic for any newcomer or reader interested in a quick overview of the essential elements of the subject. I found the chronological segmentation of the different phases of Japanese history especially useful. Serious students of Japanese history may justifiably prefer a topic by topic approach but for first timers, chronology is a relief and an ideal prism through which to peer into the past. Format aside, the writing is a little dry, which makes the book less than an absorbing read. The absence of any maps, pictures and graphical representation is unforgiveable - a thoughtless omission on the part of the author and the publishers. We know how the use of maps and pictures can make all the difference. They enliven and add immeasurably to the enjoyment of the reading. A good book which could easily have been better.

All right, after France and England, I wanted to turn away from European history for a while, and go on to Asia. This continent was isolated for so many years, but now, it's the most technoligical country in the world, especially Japan. So, anticipating a trip to Japan, I got this book.Good - The book is excellent! It covers Prehistory, to the emperor's reigns, to the many different shogunates such as the Tokugawa, Japan becomes isolated to get away from the Portugese and Dutch colonists, Japan is opened in 1854 and the Emperor restored to power, and finally the colonial era, and a brutal occupation by America after Japan was crushed at the end of World War II, and finally, to Japan's current standing as a world power.Bad - The book has no pictures. There's just one picture of a map of East Asia, and that's all. Also, the book doesn't really go deep into how the Japanese cooled resistance in their conquered lands, but that's about it.Anyone who is new to Japan will love this book, I did!

Besides the rather blatant reviews, I for one really liked the concise history that Mr Meyer has written. In my opinion, this book really is great; it gives a rather detailed explanation of Japan from its prehistory, to the Mongol invasions, to the Tokugawa isolation, to the Meiji era, to the American invasion of Japan in 1945, and to its current military and economic world power position today. The book could have had some more illustratons, except for a map of Japan, but then again, it's all right. I suggest that beginners in Japanese history start with something a bit more generalized, but it's a great book. In my opinion, every history buff should own this book.

This is an excellent, concise history of Japan. The emphasis is on the major historical events. I was glad to see the inclusion of cultural, artistic and religious milestones as well. There are summaries and datelines at the ends of each chapter as well as a glossary, all of which are quite useful features, especially if this book is to be used as an adjunct to formal study; I found it extremely handy in helping me organize the facts mentally. This is a history clearly written by a Nipponophile. There is an emphasis on the post-Meiji history, which is probably not inappropriate. Any insights into the Japanese psyche and philosophy can be inferred generally from historical events, but the treatment is not exhaustive. This book delivers what it says: a concise history of Japan. For those who want to know the essentials of Japanese history start here. For those who want to know what makes Japan as a people tick psychologically, you'll need more detail, however.