History of Writing in Japan [Paperback]

Christopher Seeley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 082482217X | ISBN-13: 978-0824822170 | Publication Date: January 7, 2000 | Edition: First Paperback Edition

This book deals chronologically with the history of writing in Japan, a subject which spans a period of 2,000 years, beginning with the transmission of writing from China in about the first or second century AD, and concluding with the use of written Japanese with computers. Topics dealt with include the adoption of Chinese writing and its subsequent adaptation in Japan, forms of writing employed in works such as the "Kojiki" and "Man'yoshu," development of the "kana" syllabaries, evolution of mixed character-"kana" orthography, historical "kana" usage, the rise of literacy during the Edo period, and the main changes that have taken place in written Japanese in the modern period (ca. 1868 onwards). This is the first full-length work in a European language to provide the Western reader with an overall account of the subject concerned, based on extensive examination of both primary and secondary materials.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An aptly illustrated, up-to-date overview of the development of the Japanese writing system.... Sure to be a standard reference." -- Monumenta Nipponica

"Well-written and annotated.... A reliable reference for those wanting an overview." -- Journal of Japanese Studies

"[Seeley] makes the field of the history of writing in Japan, much more accessible for many of us." -- Journal of Asian Studies

About the Author

Christopher Seeley is senior lecturer in Japanese at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Product Details

• Paperback: 306 pages
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press; First Paperback Edition edition (January 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082482217X
• ISBN-13: 978-0824822170
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,639,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for overall history, February 19, 2008

By 

Jillian Sweikert - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: History of Writing in Japan (Paperback)

This book is a great resource for the reader/researcher who is looking for a general overview of the history of writing in Japan. It is one of the few books on the subject that is in English, which is a big plus. However, if you are looking for details of a specific period of the writing this book is not for you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for a low price, February 3, 2011

By 

cuivien - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: History of Writing in Japan (Paperback)

Even though Frellesvig's book on the same topic is vastly more comprehensive, I still recommend this to anyone who might be looking for a clear and consise history of the Japanese language.