Japan

Children's Literature

This book, from the "History of Nations" series, is an anthology containing twenty-one short chapters, grouped by era, related to Japan's history. The chapters were originally published between 1960 and 2002. Topics include Japan's founding myth, feudalism, the arrival of Europeans, the country's modernization, and projections for the future. The editor introduces each chapter. Each chapter explains how countries have been shaped, often, by paradoxes and how people and geography have shaped national histories. The book includes timeline, list of resources and index. Given the number of different authors, the writing style and quality varies from chapter to chapter, but overall the pieces are well written and engaging. Young adults who are researching Japan or who simply want to know more about this fascinating country will find this book to be an invaluable resource. 2004, Greenhaven Press, Ages 12 up.
—Kathy Egner, Ph.D.