Synopses & Reviews
Japan's transformation from an isolated society to a military empire and, after a crushing defeat in World War II, into one of the world's foremost economic powers is one of the most fascinating stories of modern history. Although much has been written about modern Japan, no reference book has analyzed its political, economic, social, and cultural history to render a holistic account of the sweeping changes Japan has undergone since 1850. Now, with The Columbia Guide to Modern Japanese History, Gary D. Allinson presents this much-needed learning resource for students of Japanese society and for lay readers seeking to better understand the economic powerhouse of East Asia during the 150 years that have catapulted it to international preeminence.
The Columbia Guide to Modern Japanese History is a unique work in which readers will find:
- a balanced narrative treating each facet of Japanese history -- political, social, economic, and cultural -- across four periods covering the years from 1850 to the present;
- an encyclopedia-style topical compendium including more than 150 entries on such key subjects as Japan's emperors, political leaders, business enterprises, social organizations, and leading writers;
- excerpts from important historical documents;
- a chronology and list of prime ministers, providing easy reference to important historical dates, periods, and people;
- an annotated guide to further research, including print, film, and electronic resources.
Readily accessible to all readers, Allinson's reference will be one that citizens, teachers, students, and academicians will consult often as they seek information on scores of topics. The Columbia Guide toModern Japanese History will endure as a valuable reference and learning tool for many years to come.
Synopsis
Japan's transformation from an isolated society to a military empire and, after a crushing defeat in World War II, into one of the world's foremost economic powers is one of the most fascinating stories of modern history. Although much has been written about modern Japan, no reference book has analyzed its political, economic, social, and cultural history to render a holistic account of the sweeping changes Japan has undergone since 1850. Now, with The Columbia Guide to Modern Japanese History, Gary D. Allinson presents this much-needed learning resource for students of Japanese society and for lay readers seeking to better understand the economic powerhouse of East Asia during the 150 years that have catapulted it to international preeminence.
The Columbia Guide to Modern Japanese History is a unique work in which readers will find:
- a balanced narrative treating each facet of Japanese history -- political, social, economic, and cultural -- across four periods covering the years from 1850 to the present;
- an encyclopedia-style topical compendium including more than 150 entries on such key subjects as Japan's emperors, political leaders, business enterprises, social organizations, and leading writers;
- excerpts from important historical documents;
- a chronology and list of prime ministers, providing easy reference to important historical dates, periods, and people;
- an annotated guide to further research, including print, film, and electronic resources.
Readily accessible to all readers, Allinson's reference will be one that citizens, teachers, students, and academicians will consult often as they seek information on scores of topics. The Columbia Guide to Modern Japanese History will endure as a valuable reference and learning tool for many years to come.
Synopsis
The first all-inclusive, one-volume guide to the exciting history of modern Japan contains both a concise narrative of the political, economic, social, and cultural history of Japan since 1850 and an extensive reference apparatus. Encompassing a broad spectrum of well-organized and detailed information, The Columbia Guide to Modern Japanese History facilitates a hands-on approach -- assuming little or no previous background in Japanese studies -- by its convenient division into easy-to-use sections:
-- Section I: A narrative overview organized chronologically into four periods arranges the history into convenient categories outlining the major issues and trends in external relations, domestic politics, economic development, social change, and cultural life.
-- Section II: A topical compendium contains 150 encyclopedia-style entries divided into 13 categories such as Emperors, Political and Military Leaders, Businesses, Political Parties, Opposition Movements, Education, and Writers.
-- Section III: An annotated bibliographic resource guide divided into three parts -- Printed Resources, Visual Resources, Electronic Resources -- offers researchers concise descriptions of the best resources in English for further research on a wealth of topics.
-- Section IV: An appendix contains excerpts from key documents, a chronology, a list of prime ministers, two maps, and some statistical data that nicely complements Sections I and II of the work.
Spanning a multitude of topics, The Columbia Guide to Modern Japanese History offers a wealth of interpretive information to laymen, students, and specialists alike in order to bring the distinctive and dynamic modern history of one of theworld's most fascinating societies into sharper focus.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [201]-223) and index.
Table of Contents
Historical narrative. Preserving autonomy, 1850-1889 ; Integrating the nation, 1890-1931 ; Fighting for development, 1932-1973 ; Adapting to affluence, 1974-present -- Topical compendium -- Resource guide -- Appendix.