Emperor of Japan

Meiji and His World, 1852-1912

Nonfiction, History, Asian, Japan, Modern, 19th Century
Cover of the book Emperor of Japan by Donald Keene, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Donald Keene ISBN: 9780231518116
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: June 14, 2005
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Donald Keene
ISBN: 9780231518116
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: June 14, 2005
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

When Emperor Meiji began his rule, in 1867, Japan was a splintered empire, dominated by the shogun and the daimyos, who ruled over the country's more than 250 decentralized domains and who were, in the main, cut off from the outside world, staunchly antiforeign, and committed to the traditions of the past. Before long, the shogun surrendered to the emperor, a new constitution was adopted, and Japan emerged as a modern, industrialized state.

Despite the length of his reign, little has been written about the strangely obscured figure of Meiji himself, the first emperor ever to meet a European. Most historians discuss the period that takes his name while barely mentioning the man, assuming that he had no real involvement in affairs of state. Even Japanese who believe Meiji to have been their nation's greatest ruler may have trouble recalling a single personal accomplishment that might account for such a glorious reputation. Renowned Japan scholar Donald Keene sifts the available evidence to present a rich portrait not only of Meiji but also of rapid and sometimes violent change during this pivotal period in Japan's history.

In this vivid and engrossing biography, we move with the emperor through his early, traditional education; join in the formal processions that acquainted the young emperor with his country and its people; observe his behavior in court, his marriage, and his relationships with various consorts; and follow his maturation into a "Confucian" sovereign dedicated to simplicity, frugality, and hard work. Later, during Japan's wars with China and Russia, we witness Meiji's struggle to reconcile his personal commitment to peace and his nation's increasingly militarized experience of modernization. Emperor of Japan conveys in sparkling prose the complexity of the man and offers an unrivaled portrait of Japan in a period of unique interest.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When Emperor Meiji began his rule, in 1867, Japan was a splintered empire, dominated by the shogun and the daimyos, who ruled over the country's more than 250 decentralized domains and who were, in the main, cut off from the outside world, staunchly antiforeign, and committed to the traditions of the past. Before long, the shogun surrendered to the emperor, a new constitution was adopted, and Japan emerged as a modern, industrialized state.

Despite the length of his reign, little has been written about the strangely obscured figure of Meiji himself, the first emperor ever to meet a European. Most historians discuss the period that takes his name while barely mentioning the man, assuming that he had no real involvement in affairs of state. Even Japanese who believe Meiji to have been their nation's greatest ruler may have trouble recalling a single personal accomplishment that might account for such a glorious reputation. Renowned Japan scholar Donald Keene sifts the available evidence to present a rich portrait not only of Meiji but also of rapid and sometimes violent change during this pivotal period in Japan's history.

In this vivid and engrossing biography, we move with the emperor through his early, traditional education; join in the formal processions that acquainted the young emperor with his country and its people; observe his behavior in court, his marriage, and his relationships with various consorts; and follow his maturation into a "Confucian" sovereign dedicated to simplicity, frugality, and hard work. Later, during Japan's wars with China and Russia, we witness Meiji's struggle to reconcile his personal commitment to peace and his nation's increasingly militarized experience of modernization. Emperor of Japan conveys in sparkling prose the complexity of the man and offers an unrivaled portrait of Japan in a period of unique interest.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book The Natural History of the Bible by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Voices of the Arab Spring by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Sovereign Wealth Funds in Resource Economies by Donald Keene
Cover of the book An Outline of a Theory of Civilization by Donald Keene
Cover of the book The Late Age of Print by Donald Keene
Cover of the book The Secret of the Totem by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Contemplative Science by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Storytelling in World Cinemas by Donald Keene
Cover of the book The Diagnostic System by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Developing Practice Guidelines for Social Work Intervention by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Coping with the Climate Crisis by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Sovereignty by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Danger: Diabolik by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Dickinson's Nerves, Frost's Woods by Donald Keene
Cover of the book Crowds and Democracy by Donald Keene
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy