Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

Kodansha (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Few books have tested the limits of this reviewer's arsenal of superlatives quite like this one. The two-volume set boasts authoritative contributors (1400 from Japan and around the world), comprehensiveness, ease of use (cross references, a bilingual index), and handy supplementary materials (atlas, bibliography, chronology). The work is current: articles from an earlier nine-volume version ( Kodansha Encyclopedia of Japan, LJ 1/84) have been updated and often completely rewritten. The subject matter ranges far beyond history, politics, and biography, which were the main focus of the 1983 work. This new set includes features on topics as varied as making sushi, corporate socializing, and literary best sellers. The ponderous style that burdens most reference books is missing here: Japan actually invites casual reading. Finally, unlike the earlier work, this set is lavishly illustrated with color photographs, maps, and charts. The publisher, the distinguished board of editors, and an army of contributors deserve high praise for this monument of scholarship. No reference collection should be without it.
- John H. Boyle, California State Univ., Chico
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1964 pages
• Publisher: MacMillan Reference Books (October 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028972031
• ISBN-13: 978-0028972039
• Product Dimensions: 13.9 x 10.7 x 4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,050,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Publishing at its best!, May 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

This book is a 'must' for all libraries: at close to A$500, it's unaffordable for the average person.

But in terms of quality and sophistication of the art of book-making, there are few books to equal this! Japan is seen here not through rosy glasses, but as it is: the good, the bad, the ugly. The central theses of Hall's excellent 'Cartels of the Mind' doesn't find inclusion here, to be sure, but it does an excellent job of staying modestly objective about a strange and beguiling land and culture.

I rate it 10 stars for quality, 5 stars for scholarship!

5.0 out of 5 stars Publishing at its best! Dr Walter Tonetto, May 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

This book is a 'must' for all libraries: at close to A$500, it's unaffordable for the average person.

But in terms of quality and sophistication of the art of book-making, there are few books to equal this! Japan is seen here not through rosy glasses, but as it is: the good, the bad, the ugly. The central theses of Hall's excellent 'Cartels of the Mind' doesn't find inclusion here, to be sure, but it does an excellent job of staying modestly objective about a strange and beguiling land and culture.

I rate it 10 stars for quality, 5 stars for scholarship!