Japan: Its History, Traditions, and Religions
With the Narrative of a Visit in 1879

Published in 1880, this is a first-hand account of early Meiji Japan and one of the first histories of Japan in English.

Edward J. Reed (Author)

9781108045681, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 March 2012

442 pages, 25 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.56 kg

As Chief Constructor of the Royal Navy, Sir Edward Reed (1830–1906) oversaw the final move from wooden to ironclad ships. Upon resigning from the Navy in 1870 he designed warships for Germany, Chile, Brazil and Japan, and was invited to Japan in 1879 to advise its government on plans to strengthen its navy. Eleven years after the restoration of the monarchy, the country was embarking on a period of rapid industrial and military development. Published in 1880, and part history, part travel narrative, Reed's book gives a fascinating insight into Japan during a key period in her history and is an informal yet informed assessment of its people, customs, history and geography. Volume 1 covers the geography and history of Japan, including its mythology and the origins of its religions. It concludes with a valuable assessment by Reed of the political, social and industrial reforms and developments that he witnessed.

Preface
Note on the spelling and pronunciation of Japanese names
Introduction
1. The land and its inhabitants
2. The God-period
3. The Shinto religion
4. Buddhism in Japan
5. The descent of the Crown
6. Early history ending 1000 A.D.
7. The Taira and the Minamoto. The wars of the red and white flags, 1000–1200 A.D.
8. The Hojo domination
9. The simultaneous dynasties
10. The Ashikaga shoguns
11. Nobunaga and Hideyoshi
12. Iyéyasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun
13. The Tokugawa period (1603–1868)
14. The revival of the imperial power
15. The fall of the shogun
16. The imperial restoration completed
17. Foreign relations of Japan
18. The reforms of the last ten years
19. The Satsuma Rebellion
20. The Emperor and the existing government.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]