A non-fiction history by Jonathan Clements
I often read non-fiction books on the commute to work (audio books), and until this year rarely reviewed them on Woehammer. But this year I’ve decided to include more non-Warhammer books on the basis that if I find a topic interesting, our readers may do so as well.
So onto a Book Review A Brief History of Japan by Jonathan Clements.
From the Book
This fascinating history tells the story of the people of Japan, from ancient teenage priest-queens to teeming hordes of salarymen, a nation that once sought to conquer China, yet also shut itself away for two centuries in self-imposed seclusion.
First revealed to Westerners in the chronicles of Marco Polo, Japan was a legendary faraway land defended by a fearsome Kamikaze storm and ruled by a divine sovereign. It was the terminus of the Silk Road, the furthest end of the known world, a fertile source of inspiration for European artists, and an enduring symbol of the mysterious East. In recent times, it has become a powerhouse of global industry, a nexus of popular culture, and a harbinger of postindustrial decline.
With intelligence and wit, author Jonathan Clements blends documentary and storytelling styles to connect the past, present and future of Japan, and in broad yet detailed strokes reveals a country of paradoxes: a modern nation steeped in ancient traditions; a democracy with an emperor as head of state; a famously safe society built on 108 volcanoes resting on the world’s most active earthquake zone; a fast-paced urban and technologically advanced country whose land consists predominantly of mountains and forests.
Review
Growing up in the 80s, Japan was the success story of the last 2 decades. And going to University in the late 90s I also caught the beginning of Anime and Manga arriving on the shores of the UK in force. My interest in Japan has therefore been with me a while. But, this is the first time I have picked up a book on Japanese history.
Jonathan Clements has lived in Japan and so – whilst a westerner – he does have a good knowledge of Japan and it’s history. He guides us through the main stories within Japan from Prehistoric & Mythical. To the years of Isolation. And onto the Japanese miracle that I referred to above.
By his own admission he doesn’t cover all of history as this would be impossible. So Clements picks stories from each era that reflect the era, and/or provide inspiration for these stories.
All tales are interesting, well selected, and well written. And each one leaves the reader wanting to read more around the subject – a sign of success.
It is, of course, impossible to provide a full history in a 300 page book. But Jonathan Clements gives it a good shot, and you will definitely know more after reading this book than before it. (Unless you are Japanese of course).
Verdict
A great book and introduction to Japan’s history. It’ll provide lots of fun stories to remember, or build a wargame around. And I’ve even decided to buy some toys to paint up!
And as a wargamer, that it is the best positive review I can leave!
Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here
We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.
— Declan & Eeyore
