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A History of Japan

From Stone Age to Superpower

  • Book
  • © 2012

Overview

Authors:
  1. Kenneth G. Henshall

    1. University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Table of contents (9 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiv
    Download chapter PDF

  2. Introduction: Japan and History

    • Kenneth G. Henshall
    Pages 1-4

  3. From the Stone Age to Statehood: Myths, Prehistory, and Ancient History (to 710)

    • Kenneth G. Henshall
    Pages 5-23

  4. Of Courtiers and Warriors: Early and Medieval History (710–1600)

    • Kenneth G. Henshall
    Pages 24-52

  5. The Closed Country: the Tokugawa Period (1600–1868)

    • Kenneth G. Henshall
    Pages 53-74

  6. Building a Modern Nation: the Meiji Period (1868–1912)

    • Kenneth G. Henshall
    Pages 75-107

  7. The Excesses of Ambition: the Pacific War and its Lead-Up

    • Kenneth G. Henshall
    Pages 108-141

  8. A Phoenix from the Ashes: Postwar Successes and Beyond

    • Kenneth G. Henshall
    Pages 142-180

  9. A Superpower Adrift: the Heisei Years

    • Kenneth G. Henshall
    Pages 181-216

  10. Conclusion: Lessons for Aspiring Superpowers

    • Kenneth G. Henshall
    Pages 217-224

  11. Back Matter

    Pages 225-288
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Keywords

About this book

In a rare combination of comprehensive coverage and sustained critical focus, this book examines Japan's progress through its entire history to its current status as an economic, technological, and cultural superpower. A key factor is a pragmatic determination to succeed. Little-known facts are also brought to light, and the latest findings used.

Reviews

'One of the most important books in Japanese Studies in recent years.' - Ken Coates, Professor of History, University of New Brunswick, Canada

'In making the history of this remarkable society accessible to a wider public Professor Henshall has performed a most valuable service.' - Derek Massarella, Professor of Economic History, Chuo University, Japan

'An extraordinary book that will appeal to student, specialist, and general reader alike.' - Laurie Barber, Professor of History, University of Waikato, NewZealand

Authors and Affiliations

  • University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Kenneth G. Henshall

About the author

KENNETH HENSHALL was born in England and is professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. He has published on a range of Japan-related topics such as history, society, language, and literature, and is author of the best-selling etymological work Guide to Remembering Japanese Characters.

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