Mitford's Japan

Memories and Recollections, 1866-1906

Hugh Cortazzi editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:29th Aug '02

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Mitford's Japan cover

As the preface to this new edition points out, Mitford (Algernon Bertram, the first Lord Redesdale) was a gifted writer whose descriptions of Japan, during the critical time of transition from a feudal to a modern state in the late nineteenth century, are a testimony to his narrative skills, accuracy and objective reporting - qualities which are sometimes overshadowed by the higher profile given to his contemporary Ernest Satow. Accordingly, this new paperback edition, which makes the Mitford memoirs available to a much wider audience, includes a wide selection of extracts from Mitford's bestselling Tales of Old Japan (1871) - what Mitford, according to Carmen Blacker, perceived as the essence of the Japanese spirit: 'heroic, ruthless, devotedly loyal, bloody and chivalrous'.

'His detailed descriptions succeed in bringing the past to life. ... If you want to visit 19th century Japan - to witness civil war erupt in the streets of Kyoto, to accompany the first westerners to meet the Emperor or to simply stroll among the emerald green fields of Meguro village - you would be hard pressed to find a better travel companion than Algernon Mitford.' - The Japan Times


'His detailed descriptions succeed in bringing the past to life. ... If you want to visit 19th century Japan - to witness civil war erupt in the streets of Kyoto, to accompany the first westerners to meet the Emperor or to simply stroll among the emerald green fields of Meguro village - you would be hard pressed to find a better travel companion than Algernon Mitford.' - The Japan Times

'He wrote well, with verve and polish ... the selections included are well-chosen.' - Asian Affairs

ISBN: 9781903350072

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 476g

338 pages