Buy new:
-27% $116.96
FREE delivery May 18 - 20
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$116.96 with 27 percent savings
List Price: $159.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
FREE Returns
FREE delivery May 18 - 20
Or fastest delivery May 15 - 17
Usually ships within 3 to 5 days
$$116.96 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$116.96
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$63.90
We dispatch from Germany within 15-20 workdays (to Europe), for further details regarding shipping or our books please contact us via email or phone. We have a lot of experience in international shipping. Over 12000 postive ratings (99%), check out our German Amazon Account. We dispatch from Germany within 15-20 workdays (to Europe), for further details regarding shipping or our books please contact us via email or phone. We have a lot of experience in international shipping. Over 12000 postive ratings (99%), check out our German Amazon Account. See less
$9 delivery Thursday, May 16. Details
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
$$116.96 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$116.96
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by buchladen65.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Kenneth G. Henshall
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower 3rd ed. 2012 Edition

by K. Henshall (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 117 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$116.96","priceAmount":116.96,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"116","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"96","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"ScwFWj7BRlPSfb4v%2FkPGMzvIcvJ5ZCiUSsuQv61BoPX1ElHYwWcEKZwHdHf0%2FGbXeG5EfeF5fjMKmEGtnodB5iKrRP6s0SXZXFuNUvnRtaV8bYFenMnmv3KQ%2FEPpKABnsXmMsf28fq4aCRZDlAnBzQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$63.90","priceAmount":63.90,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"63","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"90","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"ScwFWj7BRlPSfb4v%2FkPGMzvIcvJ5ZCiUgM4VuBjT%2BaKKRK08u2UshkIAhDU%2Bj7CrrayI54bIFBkmgVFyurvK2i5fRkmM3I%2BJ%2F85%2FdYvZ2qO%2FCFlj7tAFsiqvYROO3xKZYRCy8Oxd1yF%2FSez9S8qFJL3FHS3hKhbHKqbGdW%2BscU65EkZHh8vfhw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

In a rare combination of comprehensive coverage and sustained critical focus, this book examines Japan's progress through its entire history to its current status as an economic, technological, and cultural superpower. A key factor is a pragmatic determination to succeed. Little-known facts are also brought to light, and the latest findings used.
Previous page
  1. ISBN-10
    0230346618
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0230346611
  3. Edition
    3rd ed. 2012
  4. Publisher
    Palgrave Macmillan
  5. Publication date
    April 17, 2012
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    8.5 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
  8. Print length
    302 pages
  9. See all details
Next page
Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Editorial Reviews

Review

'One of the most important books in Japanese Studies in recent years.' - Ken Coates, Professor of History, University of New Brunswick, Canada

'In making the history of this remarkable society accessible to a wider public Professor Henshall has performed a most valuable service.' - Derek Massarella, Professor of Economic History, Chuo University, Japan

'An extraordinary book that will appeal to student, specialist, and general reader alike.' - Laurie Barber, Professor of History, University of Waikato, NewZealand

About the Author

KENNETH HENSHALL was born in England and is professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. He has published on a range of Japan-related topics such as history, society, language, and literature, and is author of the best-selling etymological work Guide to Remembering Japanese Characters.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Palgrave Macmillan; 3rd ed. 2012 edition (April 17, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 302 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0230346618
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0230346611
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 117 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Kenneth G. Henshall

Kenneth G. Henshall

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Kenneth G. Henshall is a graduate of the universities of London (B.A.), Sydney (PhD), and Adelaide (Dip. Ed.), and is now a professor of Japanese at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. He has also taught at the universities of Auckland, Western Australia, California and Waikato. He is well-known for his translations of literature and history books, and is the author of A Guide to Remembering Japanese Characters.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
117 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Gaston
5.0 out of 5 stars A MOST INFORMATIVE, QUITE UNIQUE AND SPECIAL, DOCUMENT.
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2013
Verified Purchase
The book is a rarely found compendium of an unusual number of facts about a very different people in the array of homo sapiens of the days. The book offers an amazing lot of information regarding the development of a remarkable society of people with superior like abilities to winningly deal with the challenges of modern society in a constantly progressive way, irrespective of the hardships of life. There is much to read about the Asiatic ways and means, especially their way to adapt to life in a restricted space of land yet while being somewhat overpopulated. The manner in which they deal with the complex facts of their antropology and etchnography is, indeed, quite remarkable. There is also a good lot of local geography to learn and their ways of winnings warfare are quite special. By and large,the book is very interesting, while it addresses a myriad of facts about a wayward land which are not common to the Americas daily academic exposures. It is in fact most educational as a historical document yet suited to leasurely and rewarding readings while learning in several areas of human life in the Pacific Ocean.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
wjhnyc
4.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Illuminating
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2016
Verified Purchase
A very good history if one is headed to Japan and an informative context for viewing Japanese art which were my reasons for picking it up.

I enjoyed reading this compelling and well-written book very much. Japan's history is long, rich and fascinating.

Yet, while I continuously reminded myself that individualism is a Western concept, I still found it difficult ultimately to come to terms with a culture that does not venerate and celebrate individual human spirit for its potential, creativity, intellect and achievement. Not unusual when traveling outside the West.

As a result of this lack (to my thinking, a profoundly serious cultural deficiency) Japan’s history, from its beginnings to contemporary times, is one that is filled with many dark corners which came as no surprise despite its remarkable achievements throughout its history and up to today as a superpower.

I found the author's summaries at the end of each chapter very helpful. This is a thoughtful, highly objective, well-crafted and sympathetic portrayal of Japan's history on the part of the author.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Richard Carlson
5.0 out of 5 stars nice summary
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2016
Verified Purchase
This short history of Japan offers some real insights into pre-war and post war Japan. Most surprising to most Americans was the effectiveness of the pre war oil embargo. MIT really was effective, but backing your enemy into a corner without imaging they might strke back was less than brilliant. Great summary, worth read
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Boulder Buyer
3.0 out of 5 stars Ok history
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2014
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this book, I learned a lot, especially about ancient Japan. I would have liked more about pre-Tokugawa Japan, but this was a good introduction. I think the section about post war Japan, up until present day, was not as well written or well edited, and had much too much opinion compared to its factual content. I probably would have stopped with the early Meiji period.
11 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
P. Tanca
4.0 out of 5 stars Good snapshot of Japan...but
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2012
Verified Purchase
I found this book a useful "snapshot" of the Japanese history. Chapters are split based on a historical timeline from pre-historical to contemporary Japan. Reference and notes are included at the end of the book which I find useful for those who want to do further research on a particular time period of historical character while not distracting the reader.
On the other hand and as a matter of suggestion for improvements of future editions:
- Maps of Japan through the different historical epochs would be much appreciate by the reader
- The general summary at the end of each chapter do not add any value to the reading (however the general summary at the end of the book is worth including).
- The reader may found him/her self lost in too many historical names provided. Why not include a genealogical tree or an emperors/shogun timeline?
37 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
handysam
5.0 out of 5 stars A very readable and scholarly book.
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2017
Verified Purchase
I found this book to be concise, readable and informative. It gives perspective on the psyche of the Japanese people and the development of it's current status as an economic superpower. A great read for anyone interested in Japan.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
BBMC
4.0 out of 5 stars but it seemed to have a nice balance between the ancient history and the modern history
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2015
Verified Purchase
This is the only Japanese history book I have read, but it seemed to have a nice balance between the ancient history and the modern history. The end had many statistics in it which would be interesting if doing research. A good overview for someone new to this history.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Heather Salmon
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, balanced
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2016
Verified Purchase
An excellent, balanced, unbiased, well-researched, thorough but very readable introduction to the social, political and economic evolution of Japan. A must read for all serious travellers to this fascinating country.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Jonny Mar
2.0 out of 5 stars Um pouco desapontado. Procurarei outro livro.
Reviewed in Brazil on June 26, 2019
Verified Purchase
Estava à procura de um livro introdutório sobre a história japonesa e achei que este livro poderia ser uma boa alternativa. A leitura da primeira metade da obra, que disserta até a Revolução Meiji, foi satisfatória. No geral, posso afirmar que, nessa parte, ele supriu o que eu esperava - uma abordagem básica. Já a segunda metade do livro, que, basicamente, trata do século 20 até hoje, peca por não ter abordagem objetiva. O autor parece que tem algum cisma, pois há muita crítica e negatividade em relação ao país. Esta metade do livro é escrita de modo subjetivo com muita opinião e pouca ciência. Por exemplo, o Japão tem um crescimento econômico fantástico depois da 2a Guerra Mundial, mas ele foca nos efeitos da poluição que este crescimento ocasionou. Os políticos, do modo como descreveu, parecem que são todos corruptos. Ele chega ao ponto de afirmar que os japoneses vivem como se fossem moradores de país de Terceiro Mundo. Claro que ele esquece que o país é formado por 70% de montanhas. Não sei bem em que tipo de mansão o autor esperava que 120 milhões de pessoas, em espaço tão exíguo, residissem. Da minha parte, acredito que o autor fugiu da ciência e da pesquisa e passou a construir uma narrativa de opinião pessoal. Duas estrelas pela primeira metade do livro.
Report
Poppa
5.0 out of 5 stars Very fast service.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2015
Verified Purchase
A wonderful work of wonder!
One person found this helpful
 Report
Buster
4.0 out of 5 stars a history of japan
Reviewed in Italy on June 30, 2014
Verified Purchase
Una discreta introduzione alla storia del giappone. Adatto a chi cerca di farsi un'idea di massima della storia di questo paese. Non adatto per chi cerca un'opera approfondita ed enciclopedica. Attenzione è in inglese.
Report
Honest John
4.0 out of 5 stars The right level of detail
Reviewed in Australia on February 23, 2015
Verified Purchase
Straight forward easy to follow account of Japanese history. Worth a read of a complex culture and history
Report
AlexG81
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice
Reviewed in Japan on May 12, 2013
Verified Purchase
Very nice book relating the history of Japan; it is quite a good general introduction
2 people found this helpful
 Report