The Rise of Modern Japan, 3rd Edition: Political, Economic, and Social Change since 1850 [Paperback]

W. G. Beasley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312233736 | ISBN-13: 978-0312233730 | Publication Date: July 14, 2000 | Edition: 3rd

This clear and authoritative book surveys the history of Japan from the mid 19th century up to the present day. It charts the spectacular rise of Japan, a society which leapt in little more than a generation from the feudal to early industrial forms of organisation--an exceptionally disturbing experience for the Japanese as they left behind the traditional and Asian and moved towards the modern and Western. It examines the turbulent 1930s and an empire won and lost between 1937 and 1945, and investigates the major changes after 1945 including the astonishing economic growth that has been achieved since the 1950s. This revised editon covers the economic recession and the dramatic political upheavals of the 1990s, taking the history of Japan up to the end of the 20th century.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Beasley, Emeritus Professor of the History of the Far East at the University of London, first published The Modern History of Japan in 1963. The book went through several revisions and has been considered a standard work on its subject. When the author undertook yet another revision of the book in 1987, he discovered that he had altered his original volume to the extent that the new work, reviewed here, deserved a new title. Like its predecessor, this is a survey of modern Japanese history from its origins in the Tokugawa period to the present, bringing the story up through the death of Hirohito and the Recruit-Cosmos scandal in Japanese politics in the early part of 1989. While there is nothing astoundingly new in interpretation here, the book utilizes the most recent scholarship in the field and is good, solid history. Highly recommended for readers looking for a concise, well-written history of modern Japan. --Scott Wright, Coll. of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Characterized by a remarkable clarity of expression and a stylish presentation." -- Times Literary Supplement

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Product Details

• Paperback: 334 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; 3rd edition (July 14, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312233736
• ISBN-13: 978-0312233730
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #563,568 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book in studying Japan's history, April 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Rise of Modern Japan: Political, Economic and Social Change Since 1850 (Paperback)

Beasley does a great job in this second edition of the rise of modern japan. Unlike the 1990 version of the book, he concentrate more on the empires that came to power in the early 20th century and also covers thoroughly in today's political ups and downs in Japan. I love this book, because I get a great sense of Japan's history.