The Shortest History of Japan by Lesley Downer | Black Inc.

The Shortest History of Japan

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About the author

Lesley Downer

Lesley Downer is an author, journalist and historian. She has written four novels, The Shogun Quartet, set in the glittering world of nineteenth-century Japan. She has also written several works of non-fiction, including Geisha: The Remarkable …

More about Lesley Downer



Praise for The Shortest History of Japan

‘Essential reading for both general audiences and scholars who are interested in an engaging overview of Japan’s complex history.’ —Library Journal Starred review

‘Brisk, brilliant, and compulsively readable, Downer’s new history takes us from the ancient archipelago down to the vexed present day, via shamans, shoguns, ‘modern girls,’ and Super Mario. Highly recommended’ —Christopher Harding, author of A History of Modern Japan and The Light of Asia
 

'Brilliantly accessible and uplifting. Lesley Downer writes with flair and passion to bring to life the history and culture of this 'small country at the very edge of the world.'. . . In minutes, a reader can learn about the invention of pottery thousands of years before Europe, the origins of the Pearl Harbor attack, and the strands that weave together the fascination that is Japan today. A stunning piece of writing' —Humphrey Hawksley, author of Asian Waters and former BBC Asia Correspondent
 

'A lively and stylish introduction to Japanese history.' —Amy Stanley, author of Stranger in the Shogun's City
 

'Brilliant! This is much more than an expert, easy-to-read distillation of Japan's history. Lesley Downer has a novelist's flair for bringing the past to life in all its variety, evoking fashion, art, religions, vivid incidents, and astonishing personalities, with a welcome emphasis on the importance of women.' —John Man, author of Samurai and Ninja
 

'Downer's crisp history is a delicious delight, sweeping us through this wonderful country's long and complex history with a deft touch and a wonderful eye for vivid and revealing human detail.' —Bill Emmott, chair of The Japan Society (UK) and former editor in chief of The Economist
 

‘A marvelously accessible distillation of thousands of years of Japanese history . . . . It captures, too, the uncertainty of the present day, as Japan grapples with the challenges of a shrinking population, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. And it marks the contribution that women have made to the story of Japan—a country that has only recently begun to move away from patriarchal traditions. Strongly recommended.’ —David Warren, former British Ambassador to Japan

‘This vigorous and fast-paced narrative will open up the fascinating history of Japan to many people, making them eager to read more and go further.’ —Timon Screech, International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken), Kyoto
 

‘This overview sketches the often-turbulent political and social environment out of which, like the proverbial lotus flowering in the mud, Japan’s unique culture and sensibility bloomed in all its manifestations, from Zen, haiku and the tea ceremony to kabuki, anime and manga.’ —Fiona Capp, The Age & The Sydney Morning Herald

‘Sharp, pacey, but clear and informative writing ... If you do not know Japan well, the book is the ideal narrative for getting up to speed. If you do, it will provide a new perspective to ponder.’ —Peter Tasker, Nikkei Asia