From sushi bars to anime, video games, and the enduring mystique of the samurai, Japan's fascinating culture is becoming increasingly prominent around the world. Experiencing two major modern economic revolutions and emerging as a major world economic power, Japan has become one of the globe's most influential countries.
Lucien Ellington is codirector of the Asia Program and UC Foundation Professor of Education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN. His published works include ABC-CLIO's Japan: A Global Studies Handbook.
"This comprehensive book is highly recommended for anyone who wants
to learn about Japan, including instructors wanting a textbook for
a college course on the country. Many features make this book
attractive. Ellington’s style is clear and concise, and he provides
short conclusions for each chapter, followed by a helpful list of
sources. Black-and-white photographs complement the written text.
The chapters have sidebars that provide additional illumination by
spotlighting subjects . . . The author’s descriptions provide just
the right detail . . . There is a brief glossary, and an excellent
40-page section on facts and statistics concerning Japan. . . .
This book is a fine source of information about Japan, superior to
other books on the subject." - ARBAonline
"Intended for students and general readers, this introduction to
Japan combines narrative chapters on history, geography, politics,
economics, and culture with reference tools including a glossary, a
chronology of key historical developments up to the present,
appendices of facts and figures, a list of holidays, and an
annotated bibliography of recommended works on Japan. An annotated
list of Japan and American organizations encompasses business and
economic organizations, culture, education, government, consulates,
and tourism organizations. The book is illustrated with mainly
contemporary b&w photos, illustrations, and political
cartoons." - Reference & Research Book News
"Japan has chapters on geography, history, government, economy,
society, culture, and contemporary issues. The discussion of
history is extremely thorough. . . .Other interesting sections
include a piece on early Japanese music known as gagaku, originally
imported from the Imperial Court of China, used as a political tool
to stress the importance of the emperor and his court in Japan. . .
.The series is highly recommended for college and university
collections as well as public libraries. Images provided in the
books will be better in the e-book versions. Good indexes,
bibliographies, and lists of online sources, as well as
chronologies, all add to the volumes’ usefulness. The Global
Studies Handbook series has been a good collection of titles
covering a number of countries around the world. This expanded and
more thorough series will only enhance the use. " - Booklist
"Overall, both books nicely describe the main features of those
countries and provide a valuable resource for travelers,
businesspeople, and beginning students. Summing Up: Recommended.
Lower-level undergraduates, general readers, and professionals."
This title has been reviewed jointly with "The Koreas," edited by
Mary E. Connor. - Choice
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
