Shogun

One of the surprise successes of television in 2024 was FX’s ten-part re-staging of James Clavell’s epic 1975 novel Shogun (set in 17th century Japan), which had already been a hit in NBC’s 1980 mini-series version. This year’s reboot was much closer to Clavell’s focus and tone, and once the FX run ended, it sent us scurrying to read the original text.

Newly re-issued to tie in to the 2024 TV series, the unabridged novel was a surprisingly quick read for a hefty volume of over 1,300 pages. After struggling a bit to keep up with the complex action and… show more.

This is a new hardcover edition tied to the miniseries and it's beautifully produced, a pleasure to hold and touch--truly splendid as an object in its own right. The author's sense of place and time and the insight into the Japanese characters' minds and lives was hypnotic.

When it comes to historical fiction, especially one set in Asia, James Clavell is the guy to beat (or at least match).

The story of Shogun unfolds in 17th-century, feudal Japan. An undisputedly exotic setting. A British ship is wrecked on its shores, and its stranded navigator must find his way through Japan's complex cultural and political dynamics. Meanwhile there are other Europeans seeking religious influence and commercial advantage.

Perhaps best of all, the characters are monumental and include one of the strongest and most courageous women in literature since Joan of Arc.

I have read everything James Clavell has written.

This book is a story about a British pilot landing in Japan with the intention of breaking up the Portuguese monopoly on trade. He becomes quickly entangled in the country's internal politics and becomes immersed in Japanese culture.

A new film version of the saga is currently on Apple TV and is exceptional. I highly recommend both the book and the mini-series.