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A Brief History of Chinese and Japanese Civilizations 3rd Edition

by
Conrad Schirokauer (Author)
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Conrad Schirokauer (Author), Miranda Brown (Author), David Lurie (Author),
3.8 out of 5 stars 20 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-0618914944
ISBN-10: 0618914943
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 712 pages
  • Publisher: Cengage Learning; 3 edition (December 18, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0618914943
  • ISBN-13: 978-0618914944
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #954,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsArt, Literature, Religion-- fully interdisciplinary
By Dr. Geo. J. Leonard on December 10, 2000
Format: Paperback
I am Prof. of Interdisciplinary Humanities at San Francisco State and this has been classroom book of choice. Perhaps book's title should have been "a CULTURAL history of Chinese and Japanese Civilizations." A good 1/3 to 1/2 of each chapter is art, architecture, religion. For instance, "Tokugawa Japan," after four history sections, includes sections on "The Japanese Print... The Popular Theater: Kabuki and Bunraku... Popular Prose Literature... Haiku... Art and Lit after Genroku... Intellectual currents...." Pages are studded with apt illustrations. Undergrads liked though thought it pricey, but it replaced history and art books both.
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5.0 out of 5 starsSchirokauer Thorough & Entertaining
By RaceBannonPhD on April 28, 2000
Format: Paperback
As a professor of Asian History, I have found that this text is invaluable as a learning tool for hundreds of students. It thoroughly grounds the reader in the history of Asia. Schirokauer uses narrative and analytical thinking to present Asian History in an accessible and digestible format. The book offers an essential body of information about a massive geographic area that is as diverse as it is fascinating. Each section thoroughly reviews key historical trends in a style that is interesting and a genuine good read.
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5.0 out of 5 starsA very thorough survey of Chinese and Japanese history
By George L. Dziuk III on March 15, 2005
Format: Paperback
This book was specifically recommened to me by a Professor at the University of Texas as a fantastic "starter" on Chinese history. A fantastic read, this college text introduces the reader to Asian civilization in a way that provides information on both the history of Japan and China, as well as a very in-depth look at the cultures which grew out of this history. As Dr. Shirokauer clearly states in his introduction, this book serves as a survey in order to give the reader a general idea on the key aspects (both historically and culturally) of both the Japenese and Chinese civilizations. Weighing in at around 650 pages, this book is a massive undertaking in historical scholarship and provides a fantastic opportunity for the reader to gain a full understanding of Asia, while still leaving the reader thirsty for more at the end. Luckily, a thorough explanations of sources and a very large additional reading section provide avenues for those interested in Asian history to pursue specific topics.

For China, this story focuses around the various dynasties which ruled that country for so long. Beginning with the most early archealogical findings available for China and continuining through the Zhou, Song, Tang, Ming, etc... For Japan, the focus centers around the central administration of Kyoto until the creation of the Shogun and the rise in prominence of Edo (located at present-day Tokyo).

One aspect of this work which so distinguishes it from other college texts on these civilizations is it's focus on the cultural aspects of these two civilizations. The author covers the evolution of art in all forms, everyday living, architecture, and religion in as detailed a fashion as he explains their history.Read more ›
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4.0 out of 5 starsGives you the gist of East Asian history
By Cactus on January 16, 2016
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This was a required textbook to read in my East Asian history class. I would say that for a class at the 200 level in undergrad, this book was definitely appropriate. The information is well organized, and the color images are crisp and a good supplement to the written content that accompanies them. Plus, after using this book for my class, I had an adequate understanding of major historical events and eras in Chinese and Japanese history, enough to be comfortable engaging in discussions with others who were interested in the subject.

It’s too bad that the book focuses on Japan and China for the most part, largely ignoring the other nations that were a part of East Asian history. Sure, Japan and China are integral, but let’s not overlook the importance of Korea, Mongolia post-Mongol empire, and other distinctive cultural groups.
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4.0 out of 5 starsTextbook required for a college history course
By Katie L. on December 12, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I read this whole textbook for my Far East history class in college. Though the reading wasn't particularly required I still read it cover to cover and found it interesting enough. For the length it did a good enough job explaining these two civilations, however if it had been longer and more detail had been added I still would've found it just as wonderful. Perhaps if their had been two volumes, one focused on Japan and the other on China, students would've learned more about these ancient, culturally rich nations than what we got here, crammed into 635 pages.
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2.0 out of 5 starsPoor quality
By Catherine K. on October 6, 2006
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I'm a college student majoring in East Asian Studies. This book is required for the intro course, and I hate it. Even ignoring the folly of trying to teach two of the world's oldest civilizations in one slim volume, I still can't recommend this title. It's poorly written (the number of typos and grammatical mistakes are atrocious, especially for a 3rd edition) and the tone is too "dumbed-down" for my taste. Worst of all, the writers did a terrible job in selecting what should be included in a one-volume history of China and Japan. They jump around from topic to topic in an attempt to cover as much material as possible, but they end up sounding indecisive. At the same time, too much of the book is focused on historical anecdotes and art of the period- which is interesting, but not appropriate to a one-volume history of two vast civilizations. The book might succeed if the prose could be polished and better material selected. As of now, I hate having to read something that reads like a long report slapped together by a couple high school kids. I can't wait to sell this back.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 starsDecent textbook

Informative and clear for a textbook that covers the main points of two different countries and their long history.

Published 7 months ago by jintoki
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat textbook!

I used this for a university class and really liked it as a textbook! It seemed thorough in its different topics/chapters and was easy to follow and navigate.

Published 15 months ago by Megan
3.0 out of 5 starsWhy ignore Korea?

This is an excellent textbook of Chinese and Japanese history. However, writing a history of China and Japan but not Korea is like writing a history of Europe and Britain except... Read more

Published 17 months ago by borgon
4.0 out of 5 starsA good overview

A very good introduction to the history and religions of japan and china.

Published 22 months ago by Mark
4.0 out of 5 starsGreat condition. Timely arrival.

This is the book i needed for my course. This newer edition contains much less mistakes than the previous edition.

Published on October 14, 2013 by Jennifer
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat book.

Book was in great condition when it got here and this price is very reasonable and I thought was a steal.

Published on October 11, 2013 by Hanyue Xu
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat book

Excellent source for a history class or anyone that wants to know about Japanese This book was easy to read

Published on March 1, 2013 by N. Hill
5.0 out of 5 starsBeautiful Book - Great Condition

I haven't read the book and will be returning it because I dropped the class. But the book is practically new with no noticeable wear or tear.

Published on January 11, 2012 by Sierra
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent book

This book is cheap, the transportation is quick, and the book is super new! Almost completely no markings at all. Such a pleasure to read it!

Published on September 21, 2011 by gin-mary
5.0 out of 5 starsInteresting

Interesting text book. I didn't find it boring at all. If you're into East Asian history, this book can help a lot with the Chinese and Japanese portion of history, at least... Read more

Published on May 27, 2011 by Claudia

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