Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun (Paperback)

by Rhoda Blumberg (Author) "IF MONSTERS HAD DESCENDED UPON JAPAN the effect could not have been more terrifying..." (more)
Key Phrases: guard boats, sacred soil, United States, Commodore Perry, Treaty House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5 Up Blumberg's book succeeds on two levels. First it is a well-written story of Matthew Perry's expedition to open Japan to American trade and whaling ports. The account is sensitive to the extreme cultural differences that both the Japanese and Americans had to overcome. Especially good are the chapters and paragraphs explaining Japanese feudal society and culture. The text is marvelously complemented by the illustrations, almost all reproductions of contemporary Japanese art, underscoring the unbiased approach of the book. On the second level, the book is a well-researched chronicle of the events of the trip. Blumberg has gone to the original sources to capture the sights, emotions, reactions and even tastes of both the Japanese and Americans. Yet she has not neglected the political and economic importance or mission of Perry's trip. The notes, appendixes and bibliography show a carefully thought out book which holds valuable information for sophisticated readers. There is no better book for students on this historical event. John Buschman, Solanco Senior High School Library, Quarryville, Pa.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
In 1853, few Japanese people
knew that a country
called America even existed.

For centuries, Japan had isolated itself from the outside world by refusing to trade with other countries and even refusing to help shipwrecked sailors, foreign or Japanese. The country's people still lived under a feudal system like that of Europe in the Middle Ages. But everything began to change when American Commodore Perry and his troops sailed to the Land of the Rising Sun, bringing with them new science and technology, and a new way of life.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (January 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060086254
• ISBN-13: 978-0060086251
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #201,074 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #30 in	Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Asia
  #71 in	Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > Politics & Government
  #100 in	Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > United States > 1800s

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, thorough!, October 7, 1999

By	Denise ([e-mail]) (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun (Hardcover)

We lived in Japan and I homeschooled when I first read this book. Much more interesting way to learn about the opening of Japan than through a text. Another excellent book that is a great companion to this one is "Born in the Year of Courage."

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Journey to Japan with Commodore Perry , September 8, 2008

By	Renee Huskey "Family Photoloom ~ Make the Con... - See all my reviews

Beginning as the "giant dragons puffing smoke" descended upon the fishing village of Shimoda, this book chronologically follows Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition and subsequent opening of Japan for trade with the United States. This volume, which appears to have been extremely well-researched, fits the actions and reaction of both the Japanese and the westerners into an unbiased and even context. Japanese feudal society is explained, as well as Japan's historically isolationist position, and it is pointedly explained just how much misinformation about one another each side believed. One point that will stand out to most readers is the irony of how each side looked upon the other - as barbarians in need of civilizing; and just how much politics and personality impacts the face of world relations.

Artwork is less abundant than in similar texts, but with licensing fees and the rising cost of publishing, this is understandable. A number of Japanese images of Commodore Perry are included, each less flattering than the one before it. The appendices are particularly interesting: a letter from President Millard Fillmore (you just don't see enough about old Millard) to the Emperor of Japan, and a translation of the Emperor's reply; an intriguing list of American Presents for the Japanese (nearly everyone in the Emperor's family or commission received, among other things, at least 5 gallons of whiskey and a revolver), and a similar list of presents from the Japanese for Americans; and the text of the Treaty of Kanagawa.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Its a very good and stuning book...!!!!!, June 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun (Hardcover)

Its a very good book!!!It has alot of detail on the Japanes life in the very old days of the world.Its the best you can get!!!!