Kenneth Henshall - A History of Japan. From Stone Age to Superpower [2012][A]

Book Description
Publication Date: May 22, 2012
Japan's impact on the modern world has been enormous. It occupies just one 300th of the planet's land area, yet came to wield one sixth of the world's economic power. Just 150 years ago it was an obscure land of paddy fields and feudal despots. Within 50 years it became a major imperial power – it's so-called 'First Miracle'. After defeat in the Second World War, when Japan came close to annihilation, within 25 years it recovered remarkably to become the world's third biggest economy – it's 'Second Miracle'. It is now not only an economic superpower, but also a technological and cultural superpower. True miracles have no explanation: Japan's 'miracles' do. The nation's success lies in deeply ingrained historical values, such as a pragmatic determination to succeed. The world can learn much from Japan, and its story is told in these pages.

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

About the Author
KENNETH HENSHALL is Professor in the School of Languages and Cultures at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. He has published more than a dozen books in a range of fields. Previous editions of A History of Japan have been translated into several languages, and he has recently written on Japanese History for Lonely Planet.