The Cambridge History of Japan, Volume 2: Heian Japan

The Cambridge History of Japan #2

by Donald H. Shively (Editor), John W. Hall (Editor)

This volume provides the most comprehensive treatment of the Heian period, the golden age of the Japanese imperial court, in any Western language. From 794 to 1185, the Japanese emperor ruled over an elaborate government modeled on China's. Native Japanese elements blended with Chinese influences in religion and the courtly arts. The world's first novel was completed about 1020. In 1185 the elegant and peaceful world of the court was shattered by the struggle of the Taira and Minamoto warrior clans, who usurped real political power.

Genres: History, Japan, Japanese History, Nonfiction, Asia, Japanese Literature

782 pages, Hardcover

First published July 28, 1999

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The painstakingly detailed survey of what is considered the "classical" era of Japanese history, when the capital was moved to Heian (later Kyoto) and the country was governed by the imperial line, which mostly reigned but only occasionally ruled, as the real power lay in the hands of certain noble clans, such as the Fujiwara, the Minamoto and the Taira. Alternatively, the country was run by "retired" emperors, who made sure they were "succeeded" by children. As in ancient Japan, there was much cultural borrowing from China, especially in religious affairs and we get a good sense of what life in the ancient capital must have been like. More and better maps would have been a great help. The book itself is something of a slog, continuing the Cambridge History tradition of dense academic writing, so be warned, but it will award the assiduous reader with much knowledge about this fascinating period.

[Ethan Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good place to start for a serious study of this era of Japan- its bibliography is extensive and helpful, and the core narrative of a generally high level quality. Its format, like the rest of the series, is a sequence of treatises by specialists on topics like "Aristocratic Buddism" or, "Land and Society"

However, it does hold a few weaknesses. Notably, chapters 8 and 9, seem to wander in format and are at times, less clear than I would like. But the worst problem is, of course, brevity- too short to adequately cover the topic. But, the places where this is most extreme, such as the Gempei War, are also the places where it is most easy to obtain inexpensive additional sources.

Finally, the price can be prohibitive- but shop around and it can be gotten used for a more reasonable amount. Either way, I found it very useful.