Customer Reviews

The Onin War: History of Its Origins and Background with a Selective Translation of the Chronicle of Onin

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Varley's historical reference of the Onin War is probably the best I've ever read.

The Onin War is a difficult era to find a lot of good, solid information on - at least in English. The 10 year war is responsible, essentially, for the following 100 years of civil strife (which is much more famous).

I am a writer, and I needed a solid reference on the Onin War. This book has been a god send, since Varley demystifies a lot of generalizations about the actual cause of the Onin War.

Let me explain: Varley has created here, a thick evaluation about the economical, and sociological reasons behind the war, beyond the simple retiring of the shogunate. It is not a quick read, it is dense with information and stories - however, it lacks a good solid logical orginization to it's information.

After a while, unless you've been taking notes, it is more than likely that you will become confused about this specific daimyo or that - who did what when.

It is a great resource, and probably THE most indepth ever on the period (in english). But, ultimately, needs revision by a historian - and is most certainly not worth 72.50 to the casual history buff. The book is small.

Varley writes about:
The events and situations leading up to the Onin War, then ends with a translation of the Chronical of Onin - a selective record of the war itself.

Overall, I'm pleased for my personal writing projects, that I have this reference available to me - but not recommended for the casual history fan.

- Dan