British Engagement with Japan, 1854–1922

The Origins and Course of an Unlikely Alliance

Antony Best author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:30th May '22

Should be back in stock very soon

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British Engagement with Japan, 1854–1922 cover

This book by a leading authority on Anglo-Japanese relations reconsiders the circumstances which led to the unlikely alliance of 1902 to 1922 between Britain, the leading world power of the day and Japan, an Asian, non-European nation which had only recently emerged from self-imposed isolation. Based on extensive original research the book goes beyond existing accounts which concentrate on high politics, strategy and simple assertions about the two countries’ similarities as island empires. It brings into the picture cultural factors, particularly the ways in which Japan was portrayed in Britain, and ambivalent British attitudes to race and supposed European superiority which were overcome but remained difficulties. It charts how the relationship developed as events unfolded, including Japan’s wars against China and Russia, and in addition looks at royal diplomacy, where the Japanese Court came eventually to be treated as a respected equal. Overall, the book provides a major reassessment of this important subject.

"An extremely well-researched book ... a balanced book ... a very good book and I strongly recommend it to anybody interested in Britain’s relationship with Japan ... an enjoyable read." - Robert Morton in The Japan Society Review

ISBN: 9780367622299

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 408g

276 pages