Problems of the Far East
Japan, Korea, China

A British imperialist's 1894 consideration of the present state and future prospects of Japan, Korea and China.

George Nathaniel Curzon (Author)

9781108080774, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 July 2015

510 pages, 49 b/w illus. 2 maps
21.5 x 14 x 3.2 cm, 0.65 kg

Following his election to Parliament and extensive travels through Asia, George Nathaniel Curzon (1859–1925) published in 1894 this consideration of the present state of Japan, Korea and China within a changing international landscape. Later viceroy of India, Curzon was fascinated by the rich cultural heritage of the Far East, yet he remained a staunch supporter of British imperialism. He explains that the book's purpose is to delve deeper into political, social and economic conditions, rather than present a travel narrative of 'temples, tea-houses and bric-à-brac'. After devoting a substantial section to each country, Curzon closes with 'The Prospect', exploring what he envisages for the future of the whole region. The favourable reception of this title and his 1892 work, Persia and the Persian Question (also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection), highlighted Curzon's diligently acquired knowledge of Asian affairs and how they affected Britain's imperial interests.

Preface
1. The Far East
Part I. Japan: 2. The evolution of modern Japan
3. Japan and the powers
Part II. Korea: 4. Life and travel in Korea
5. The capital and court of Korea
6. Political and commercial symptoms in Korea
7. The political future of Korea
Part III. China: 8. The country and capital of China
9. China and the powers
10. The so-called awakening of China
11. Monasticism in China
Part IV. The Prospect: 12. The destinies of the Far East
13. Great Britain in the Far East
Index.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]