LA Times Book Award winner and expert on the past and present Japan, Ian Buruma examines the transformation of a country. Following Japan's history from its opening to the West in 1853 to its hosting of the 1964 Olympics, Buruma focuses on how figures such as Commodore Matthew Perry, Douglas MacArthur, and Emperor Mitsushito helped shape this complex country.
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"Island countries tend to conserve national identities in much stronger way. A good narrative of a complex society that has gone through so many transformations and cultural change in recent history, and yet how and why the society retains fine aspects of old traditions." — Aeby (4 out of 5 stars)
"Island countries tend to conserve national identities in much stronger way. A good narrative of a complex society that has gone through so many transformations and cultural change in recent history, and yet how and why the society retains fine aspects of old traditions."
“Buruma's excellent new book charts the process of Japan's engagement with the Western world…A compelling read.”
“An excellent introductory study, complete with a helpful bibliography for those seeking more rigorous analyses.”
“Stylish and illuminating, Inventing Japan has the added virtue of being admirably concise. Students and general readers alike will find this grand overview of modern Japan’s many identities engaging and provocative.”
“Those familiar with Ian Buruma’s impressive body of work on Japan will not be disappointed by Inventing Japan. This compelling narrative captures the excitement, triumph, and failure of the century in which Japan abandoned its traditional ways and entered into the modern world.”
A witty and illuminating romp through a hundred years of Japanese history, written with Mr. Buruma’s usual style and insight.”
" I picked this up at the used book section of the Harvard Bookstore. A quick but comprehensicve summary of modern Japanese history, with the author's editorial comments. I recommend it to anyone who wants a quick introduction to the period. "
" Good, quick read on the history of Japan btw Commodore Perry and the Tokyo Olympics. Tumultuous 110 years. Lots of substories that would benefit from more detail, but ideal for an airplane ride. "
" It's a good book that dives into the a key ideological aspects of the transformation of country from the feudal mono-centric era to a modern economic force in the world. "
" What a poor attempt at history. Full of condescending attitude and irrelevant sidenotes. Don't waste your time. Read the Wikipedia page for History of Japan instead of this. "
" A pithy and highly readable outline of modern Japanese history. It focuses on the grand sweep of politics, rather than culture or social life, but is sprinkled with fascinating factoids and interesting anecdotes. "
" Well written, fast read, that provides an essential introduction for anyone who wants to understand or appreciate modern Japan. "
" As Im not accustomed to this type of books, but it was a very nice read indeed. "
" a great primer on japanese history, but given how short it is, you can imagine how much it leaves out. also, it's a bit of a crime how little there is in the way of bibliography or "further reading" recommendations. "
" Well written. A good primer on modern Japan. "
" Buruma's dry, ironic tone enlivens a history of Japan from the Meiji era to the late 1960s. "
" comprehensive look on Japanese culture that expands for over a decade. good and informative.. just wish the book could be more "hip" "
" A short, accessible, and well written history of modern Japan. Buruma clearly explains the culture and the conflicts that led to military rule and WWII and how Japan has emerged from the war prosperous and peaceful. "
Ian Buruma is the Henry R. Luce Professor of Democracy, Human Rights, and Journalism at Bard College. His books include The China Lover, Murder in Amsterdam, Occidentalism, God’s Dust, Behind the Mask, The Wages of Guilt, Bad Elements, and Taming the Gods.
Nelson Runger’s voice has been recorded in dozens of audio productions and won him two AudioFile Earphones Awards. His ability to convey difficult, scholarly material with eloquence and ease has earned him critical acclaim, including an AudioFile Best Voice in Biography & History for his reading of Nixon and Kissinger.
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