Sources of Japanese Tradition, Abridged

Sources of Japanese Tradition is a treasure... The appearance of this new edition is true cause for celebration by anyone seriously interested in Japan. -- John W. Dower, author of Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II This book will be exceedingly useful to a wide variety of entry-level courses in Japanese history, culture, and civilization, as well as high-level courses in Japanese thought and religion. -- Joshua Fogel, author of The Nanjing Massacre in History and Historiography The volumes of Sources of Japanese Tradition have proved to be invaluable guides to the study of Japanese history and culture. The revised volume contains a large amount of new material, reflecting the recent scholarly achievements, especially in social and religious history. Its publication is welcome news to teachers and students of Japanese civilization and all those who are interested in the origins of contemporary Japanese society and culture. -- Akira Iriye, author of Cultural Internationalism and World Order

A collection of English-language readings on Japan. Containing materials on history, society, politics, education, philosophy, and religion, this book features an introduction to Japanese civilization. It also covers the Tokugawa period to 1868 and addresses the spread of neo-Confucianism and Buddhism and the encounters of Japan and the West.For almost fifty years, Sources of Japanese Tradition has been the single most valuable collection of English-language readings on Japan. Unrivalled in its wide selection of source materials on history, society, politics, education, philosophy, and religion, the two-volume textbook is a crucial resource for students, scholars, and readers seeking an introduction to Japanese civilization. Originally published in a single hardcover book, Volume 2 is now available as an abridged, two-part paperback. Part 1 covers the Tokugawa period to 1868, including texts that address the spread of neo-Confucianism and Buddhism and the initial encounters of Japan and the West. Part 2 begins with the Meiji period and ends at the new millennium, shedding light on such major movements as the Enlightenment, constitutionalism, nationalism, socialism, and feminism, and the impact of the postwar occupation. Commentary by major scholars and comprehensive bibliographies and indexes are included. Together, these readings map out the development of modern Japanese civilization and illuminate the thought and teachings of its intellectual, political, and religious leaders.