A Short History of Japan
$40.00
- Hardcover
240 pages
- Release Date
2 December 2025
Summary
A brief and thrilling introduction to Japan from one of the country’s leading British historians.
In this enormously enjoyable introduction to a remarkable country, Christopher Harding traces Japan’s rich history over several millennia. Beginning with its earliest coastal communities through to the spread of Buddhism, the rise of the warlords, the promise and menace of the West and Japan’s own empire-building, Harding explores how a distinctly Japanese society and culture was forged.<…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780241563199 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0241563194 |
| Author: | Christopher Harding |
| Publisher: | Penguin Books Ltd |
| Imprint: | Pelican |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 240 |
| Release Date: | 2 December 2025 |
| Weight: | 346g |
| Dimensions: | 225mm x 145mm x 25mm |
| Series: | Pelican Books |
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What They're Saying
Critics Review
A history that somehow manages to be at once succinct and sweeping: essential reading for anyone interested in this most fascinating of countries * Tom Holland *The perfect introduction to [Japan’s] intriguing society is Christopher Harding’s lively new A Short History of Japan. Starting with prehistory, Harding explores the importance of Buddhism, the path to modernisation and, in particular, the role of cultural and material history, including the Japanese traditions of theatre and ceramics. The book is short, yes – but its scope is long, deep and rich – Rana Mitter * History Extra, Best History Books of 2025 *
About The Author
Christopher Harding
Christopher Harding is the author of Japan Story, The Japanese, and The Light of Asia. He teaches at the University of Edinburgh and frequently broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4. He also writes the Japan and the World blog, which explores Japanese history and culture.
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