Customer Reviews

Hideyoshi (Harvard East Asian Monographs)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book provides an excellent portrait of arguably the most important single individual in Japanese history. Berry's scholarship is abundantly informative without being heavy-handed. This account of Hideyoshi's life reads like a narrative and is rich with references from diverse resources. More important than that, however, is the respect Berry shows for the subject matter. She really captures the grand sweep of Hideyoshi's life, which was inseparable from the fate of Japan at the time. This is a must read for anyone interested in Japanese history or anyone wishing to deepen their appreciation of Japanese samurai movies that depict this period of time (the late 1500s).

For those who want to do some serious research of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this is the book to read. This book provides detailed analysis of the politics and economic policies during Hideyoshi's era.

I found the federalism pursued by Hideyoshi very intriguing; while the local politics and ecomonics were taken care by the local warlords (Daimyos), Hideyoshi was the head-figure of Japan and had the authority to mobilized the military nationwide.

For those who likes to read 'general biographies', this might be a little too academic. This is not intended for a fun read. The military campaigns are summarized very well, but it does not provide a "I couldn't put it down" effect.

unless you read Japanese,(I asume that there are a few who can.) This is one of the best books on the market.

At first when I picked up a copy of this book, I didn't really knew what to think of it. As it didn't had a cover of the book on Amazon then, it was really a shot into the dark. I'm real glad I made that shot.

This book centers around Hideyoshi Toyotomo and his predecessor Oda Nobunaga. These two legendary Japanese warlords can't be mentioned without each other, as they are very much interrelated with each other. Nobunaga conquered a third of Japan featuring Hideyoshi as one of his generals. Then, after the murder of Nobunaga, Hideyoshi took charge and conquered Japan through conquest and diplomacy.

This book takes you on the journey though these eras. Political as well as social circumstances are covered in detail. Berry has put together a vast and comprehensive history not just only about Hideyoshi, but about 16th century Japan.

Then why four stars? The book does not cover in-depth detail about Nobunaga or any of the battles. Also, when you're not that familiar with Japan or its customs, pictures are lacking as well. I really hope there will be a reprint one day featuring these things. Then it will deserve the five stars without any doubt.

"Hideyoshi" is an incredible biography of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who more than anyone else is responsible for transforming Japan from a crazy-quilt of fiefs and feudal lords engaged in civil war to a centralized state at peace. It is one of history's ironies that a child born to a subsistence farmer could end his life as the most powerful man in the country. If you share my admiration of Japan and fascination with its history, don't pass this book up!