A history that somehow manages to be at once succinct and sweeping essential reading for anyone interested in this most fascinating of countries Tom HollandThe perfect introduction to [Japans] intriguing society is Christopher Hardings lively new A Short History of Japan... The book is short, yes but its scope is long, deep and rich Rana Mitter, History Extra, History Books of the Year 2025 In this enormously enjoyable introduction to a remarkable country, Christopher Harding traces Japans rich history over several millennia. Beginning with its earliest coastal communities through to the spread of Buddhism, the rise of the warlords, the promise and menace of the West and Japans own empirebuilding, Harding explores how a distinctly Japanese society and culture was forged. Drawing on the latest scholarship, A Short History of Japan moves beyond traditional touristboard clichs to consider Japans own view of its past, values and culture, from ceramics and theatre to food and architecture. The result is a sensory, tactile history conveying to the reader much about Japans special nature. Harding skilfully shows how these everyday details are intimately bound up with the bigger historical picture, as an expression of the values that have been extraordinarily successful in helping the country to cope with centuries of radical change.

Binding: Hardback;160 pages; Publisher: TBS-Penguin Random House Wholesale; Classification: HBJF; Weight: 464 g; Dimensions: 145 x 224 x 26

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