Monday, June 9, 2008

"Early Japan" By Jonathan Norton Leonard

This book is for those who wish to learn about Japan's early history. It covers history from Japan's savage beginnings to Commodore Matthew Perry's landing in Japan. It tells all it can about this mystical land, sparing no detail. At the end of each of the eight chapters is a picture essay that tells about Japan with images and captions. This book explains Japanese culture, religion, and traditions. It crafts the story of Japan's civil wars, the rise and falls of its countless shoguns and emperors. If you are interested in early Japanese culture, or just like to know about many different cultures, then this is the book you should read. I give this nonfiction a 5 of 5 stars. Hail to the land of the rising sun!

3 comments:

The Librarian said...

I think Japan has a fascinating culture, and I love reading about it. So sad, at least to my Western thinking, - did you know that school libraries aren't a big concept there? School study is much more rigid there, so the idea of doing independent research isn't a big one at school level, anyway. What do you find most fascinating about Japan?

Sukeroku said...

What I found most interesting was how Japan seemed better then the wetern lands at every turn. They had better armour, better weapons, a better government, basicly everything was better. I also like how the world's first novel came from Japan. As soon as I get it, I'm gonna read it and review it.

The Librarian said...

Phew - set aside some time for it. "Tale of the Genji" is over 1,000 pages long. Did you know it was written by a woman?