Dawn to the West: Japanese Literature in the Modern Era (History of Japanese Literature, Vol. 3) [Paperback]

Donald Keene (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0231114354 | ISBN-13: 978-0231114356 | Publication Date: April 15, 1998

This is the third book in a multivolume history of modern Japanese literature by the world's authoritative translator and scholar of Japanese culture and literature. The Columbia paperback edition, with Donald Keene's new preface, includes an introduction, an appendix, glossary, index, and a selected list of translations into English.

(New Republic )

Editorial Reviews

Review

The publication of Dawn to the West... will do even more to establish modern Japanese literature as one of the major literatures of the world.... Here, for the first time, in two monumental volumes, are Mr. Keene's readable, yet thoroughly scholarly, essays on virtually all aspects of modern Japan's major creative writing. The first volume of Dawn to the West, which is devoted to fiction, contains complete studies of all the important Japanese writers since the Meiji Restoration in 1868, both those widely read in the West and others less well known.

(New York Times Book Review )

About the Author

DONALD KEENE is Shincho Professor of Japanese Literature and University Professor Emeritus at Columbia University.

Hailed by Anatole Broyard in the New York Times Book Review as "the century's leading expert on Japanese literature, as well as its most indefatigable translator," Donald Keene is Shincho Professor of Japanese Literature and University Professor Emeritus at Columbia University. He is the author of the multivolume history of Japanese literature Dawn to the West and translator of numerous books, including Four Major Plays of Chikamatsu, Chushingura (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers): A Puppet Play, and Three Plays by Kobo Abe, all published by Columbia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1329 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (April 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231114354
• ISBN-13: 978-0231114356
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,758,953 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All you need to know, right here, March 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dawn to the West: Japanese Literature in the Modern Era (History of Japanese Literature, Vol. 3) (Paperback)

I bought this book to supplement a course I was taking on Japanese literature, and it was one of the few "optional" texts I ever actually read. Donald Keene is the first person to look to if you are interested in Japanese literature. Not only does he know the literaure inside and out, he puts everything in a context of history and culture that makes you appreciate the actual works even more. This book is comprehensive, well thought out, and very accessible.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Make sure you get the right volume!, February 20, 2005

By 

wanda73 (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dawn to the West: Poetry, Drama, Criticism (vol. 2) (Paperback)

This book comprises two volumes that bear the same title but are sold separately. Vol. 1 (1329 pages) is devoted to Prose, Vol. 2 (698 pages) covers Poetry, Criticism, and Drama. Make sure you you don't get the wrong volume as I did!!

The book itself wears its 20 years well and for its breadth of coverage continues to be very useful as a general survey of modern Japanese literature. The three (and a half) stars are because the author's own voice tends to flatten the rich and varied body of writing the book treats, making it sound deceptively homogeneous.

5.0 out of 5 stars The best on Japanese letterature, September 6, 2007

By 

Charungsri Patcharapun (Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dawn to the West: Japanese Literature in the Modern Era (History of Japanese Literature, Vol. 3) (Paperback)

I'm studying Japanese letterature at university and among my various book, i think that Donald Keene is the best. Though, he sometimes may be lengthy, his style is fluent and interesting, you'll never get bored.