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)

9781108045698, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 March 2012

388 pages, 18 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.2 cm, 0.49 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 her people, customs, history and geography. Volume 2 is an account of Reed's travels, often in a rickshaw, around the country during his three-month stay. It includes his more personal observations, taken directly from his diary, of Japan's scenery, cities and people.

1. Our arrival in Japan. First impressions
2. A month in the Eastern Capital
3. Language and literature
4. Drawing and painting
5. Proverbs and phrases of the people
6. The inland sea and Nagasaki
7. The city of Osaka
8. The sacred city of Nara
9. Kioto, or Saikio, the Western Capital
10. The sacred shrines of Isé
11. Nagoya and the shrine of the sacred sword
12. To Shidzuoka: the home of the Tokugawas
13. Fuji-Yama and the Hakoné Mountains
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]