History of Japan, 1334-1615

Rating:
Summary: Very Nicely Done
Review: George Bailey Sansom's "History of Japan, 1334-1615" is an excellent compilation of the Japanese military, politicial and social history from the 14th to 17th centuries. The book starts with the tale of the reform-minded Emperor Go-Daigo and his efforts to overthrow the current Shogunate. It then proceeds to the story of Ashikaga Takauji, a well known general, who rebelled against Go-Daigo and the Imperial Throne and was made Shogun. The books ends with at the pivotal year, 1615, with the battle of Sekigahara. The Western forces of the Toyotomi family went to battle with the Eastern forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This battle marked the most significant increase in Tokugawa power to date, and would eventually lead to the creation of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which would last until the late 1800s.

Generally speaking, Sansom tells the story of Japan. He tells the reader how a tiny, landowner-dominated land that squabbled amongst itself over tiny plots of lands and saw the constant fighting between families, started to become the Super Power it was in the World War I time. This book is the second in the series, the first being entitled "History of Japan to 1334" and the third being "History of Japan, 1615-1867".

It is not necessary to read the first in order to understand the second, however it is useful. Sansom assumes that the reader has read his previous work, because he starts in the middle of Go-Daigo's tale, not really taking the time to explain the importance of such things as the "Bakufu" and the "Hojo Family". However, the difficulty there only lasts for twenty pages, or so, and then its smooth sailing.

While this book is often used as a college textbook, it is important to point out that this book is as much a story as it is a historical guide. Sansom keeps the reader enthralled and eager to see what happens next. Indeed, this historical book ranks up there with any novel. A definite must read for anyone interested in history, especially Japanese history.

Rating:
Summary: Very Nicely Done
Review: George Bailey Sansom's "History of Japan, 1334-1615" is an excellent compilation of the Japanese military, politicial and social history from the 14th to 17th centuries. The book starts with the tale of the reform-minded Emperor Go-Daigo and his efforts to overthrow the current Shogunate. It then proceeds to the story of Ashikaga Takauji, a well known general, who rebelled against Go-Daigo and the Imperial Throne and was made Shogun. The books ends with at the pivotal year, 1615, with the battle of Sekigahara. The Western forces of the Toyotomi family went to battle with the Eastern forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This battle marked the most significant increase in Tokugawa power to date, and would eventually lead to the creation of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which would last until the late 1800s.

Generally speaking, Sansom tells the story of Japan. He tells the reader how a tiny, landowner-dominated land that squabbled amongst itself over tiny plots of lands and saw the constant fighting between families, started to become the Super Power it was in the World War I time. This book is the second in the series, the first being entitled "History of Japan to 1334" and the third being "History of Japan, 1615-1867".

It is not necessary to read the first in order to understand the second, however it is useful. Sansom assumes that the reader has read his previous work, because he starts in the middle of Go-Daigo's tale, not really taking the time to explain the importance of such things as the "Bakufu" and the "Hojo Family". However, the difficulty there only lasts for twenty pages, or so, and then its smooth sailing.

While this book is often used as a college textbook, it is important to point out that this book is as much a story as it is a historical guide. Sansom keeps the reader enthralled and eager to see what happens next. Indeed, this historical book ranks up there with any novel. A definite must read for anyone interested in history, especially Japanese history.

Rating:
Summary: Best affordable introduction to Japanese history
Review: Pretty much every English speaker who studies Japan acquires a copy of Sansom. Consequently, if you are interested in Japan, you probably already have a set. I am giving this collection four stars instead of five simply because its scholarship is now a bit dated and it is not the Cambridge History of Japan. But, who can afford the Cambridge History? I wish I could. In terms of being affordable, this is most likely still the best introduction to Japanese history around in English.

Rating:
Summary: A must-read in order to understand Japanese history.
Review: The period from the split of the nation into two dynasties (north and south) to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo (modern day Tokyo) is often overlooked in Western studies of Japanese history. Sansom, in contrast, devoted an entire book to the subject, and rightfully so. The complexity of these times may be a turn-off to casual readers or people with only a minor interest in Japanese history, but for those that wish to start on a journey into the heart of one of the greatest turning points of Japanese history, as well as get a glimps at the starts of the tea ceremony and many other aspects which have become part of that which is "Japan" should hold this book, even as a reference.