The Cambridge History of Japan, Vol. 2: Heian Japan [Hardcover]

Donald H. Shively (Editor), William H. McCullough (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0521223539 | ISBN-13: 978-0521223539

This volume provides the most comprehensive treatment of the Heian period, the golden age of the Japanese imperial court, in any Western language. From 794 to 1185, the Japanese emperor ruled over an elaborate government modeled on China's. Native Japanese elements blended with Chinese influences in religion and the courtly arts. The world's first novel was completed about 1020. In 1185 the elegant and peaceful world of the court was shattered by the struggle of the Taira and Minamoto warrior clans, who usurped real political power.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Historians and other scholars of the Heian period will certainly want to add it to their shelves, but I warmly recommend it as a high-level introduction to theperiod for non-Japanese specialists as well." Karl Friday Jrnl of Japanese Studies

"The over seven-hundred pades of the text provides a wealth of information...This volume remains an indispensible resource for all students of Heian Japan." American Historial Review Dec 2001

Book Description

This volume provides the most comprehensive treatment of the Heian period, the golden age of the Japanese imperial court, in any Western language. From 794 to 1185, the Japanese emperor ruled over an elaborate government modelled on China's. Native Japanese elements blended with Chinese influences in religion and the courtly arts. The world's first novel was completed about 1020. In 1185 the elegant and peaceful world of the court was shattered by the struggle of the Taira and Minamoto warrior clans, who usurped real political power.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 780 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521223539
• ISBN-13: 978-0521223539
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #317,871 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's the most detail publication on Heain era in Japan!, May 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cambridge History of Japan, Vol. 2: Heian Japan (Hardcover)

If one is looking for a manual that can help him/her understand historical events in Heian period (794-1185) then this is the book. It brings to you in detail the system of government (copying China's Tchang dynasty model), introduction of new Buddhist sects to Japan (Tendai, Shingon) and the life / culture at the Imperial Court in Heiankyo (contemporary capital). What may scare one off is the price but if you're either deeply interested in Japan's history or want to know more than you can find in the general popular history books then be sure to add this piece to your bookself and it will bring the Heain Japan to your reading chair. Index and glossary are practically arranged.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Extensive Reference, September 27, 2003

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Cambridge History of Japan, Vol. 2: Heian Japan (Hardcover)

This is the second volume in The Cambridge History of Japan, covering from the founding of Heian-kyo in 794 to the Gimpei clan wars of 1185 and the rising dominance of the warrior class. Arguably, these are the formative years for Japanese culture and social structure. Many of the subtle forms of governance that endured into modern times were entrenched at this time. Art and religion flourished as well (this was the period in which The Tale of Genji was written).

The Heian era, marked by a tremendous amount of formative activity, are crucial to understanding all that followed. This text is as exhaustive a record and analysis of those times as any reader would ever want. The chapters are written by individual experts in their fields and cover key aspects of history, politics, sociology, religion, and art. If anything, the worst criticism of this text is that the amount of information provided is overwhelming.

Casual history buffs beware. Don't expect an easy to read narrative. The intended reader is either academic or deeply interested. The kind of person who doesn't mind information overload and who is willing to take the time to put all the pieces of the picture into place. It may be important to understand rice politics, but, for the average reader, the subject lacks the glitter of the Heian court and the conflicts that forged modern Japan.

Of course, this is intended to be a reference book as much as a history, which accounts for the dryness of some of the writing. But as a reference book it really shines - I have yet to look for something and not be able to find material. For the right reader, the book is well worth its steep price.