Japan Among the Powers, 1890-1990 [Paperback]

Sir Sydney Giffard (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0300068913 | ISBN-13: 978-0300068917 | Publication Date: May 29, 1997

This absorbing book, written by a former diplomat and ambassador to Japan, provides a fresh perspective on Japan's history, politics, and culture over the past hundred years. Sydney Giffard traces Japan's phenomenal development into one of the world's great powers, portraying events in Japan and its rapid industrialization as they were shaped by Japanese decision-makers rather than as they were perceived by the outside world.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Giffard, British ambassador to Japan from 1984 to 1986, presents an overview of political and economic developments in Japan from 1890 to 1990 and discusses how these factors have shaped the country. He believes that Japan was influenced by an extraordinary group of individuals who, late in the 19th century, set out to create a prosperous modern state, guarded by a powerful military that would, in time, become a great power. The desire for great power status, including the acquisition of colonies, was in tune with the thinking of the European powers up to World War I. That conflict, not really experienced by the Japanese, profoundly changed British and U.S. attitudes toward the use of militarism to achieve great power status. Japanese attitudes did not change, however, contributing to the series of miscalculations on both sides that culminated in the attack on Pearl Harbor. This is an informative survey that supposes some knowledge of recent Japanese history and politics. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.
Robert J. Andrews, Duluth P.L., Minn.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (May 29, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300068913
• ISBN-13: 978-0300068917
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,616,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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