The Making of Modern Japan

By Marius B. Jansen,

Book cover of The Making of Modern Japan

Book description

Magisterial in vision, sweeping in scope, this monumental work presents a seamless account of Japanese society during the modern era, from 1600 to the present. A distillation of more than fifty years' engagement with Japan and its history, it is the crowning work of our leading interpreter of the modern…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Making of Modern Japan as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This was the first comprehensive academic history book of Japan that I read, and it is still the best. I go back to it regularly to check on details and refresh my memory. Jansen writes fluently and maintains reader engagement with a great pace, never too little information, never too much. His subject matter helps, as this period is well researched and blessed with plentiful source material to give a full picture. Highly recommended as a serious starter in Japanese history and culture.

From Thomas' list on Japan’s global history.

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