Historical and Geographical Dictionary of Japan

by Edmond Papinot, Papinot

Historical and Geographical Dictionary of Japan (English and Japanese Edition) includes an introduction by Terence Barrow, Ph.D. This comprehensive compendium of Japanalia runs the gamut from Abe to Zushu. In between the reader will find in alphabetical order the principal events and names in the history of Japan up to the 20th century. Here are the dynasties from Jimmu Tenno, the first emperor, to the Meiji Restoration; genealogies of emperors and princes; myths and ministries; temples and shrines; and religions and the relationship of Buddhist sects. A biographical supplement entitled "Principal Foreigners Connected with Japan Before the Restoration presents an engrossing panorama of the frustrations, tribulations and persecutions of foreigners in early Japan. True records are related of the Jesuits, Dominicans, and other Papinot mentions as being burned alive at Edo, buried alive at Nagaski, condemned to the torment 0f the pit and crucified. Old Japan was not all cherry blossoms, butterflies, dainty geisha and stately Fuji-san, as this monumental study shows. Some 300 illustrations round out the author's immense canvas within the framework of almost 900 pages. Also included is a preface, a historical introduction with a breakdown of the various periods, and more than a dozen maps.

Genres: History, Reference

842 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1910

Reviews

[Al Duran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference book. More than just a dictionary, Papinot’s work is an encyclopedia of Japanese history from its mythical beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century. There is a plethora of facts from all periods of Japan’s lengthy past, ancient and feudal. Much can be found in the Dictionary that would be difficult to come across without a knowledge of Japanese and sources in that language. This book was published over a century ago. Some of the information in it is no longer current, yet even this can be of historical interest. Entries are listed alphabetically and kanji (Chinese characters) is given for each entry, which can be quite helpful for identifying names in Japanese with their romanized equivalents. Of course, the characters are given in the old style. I have often used the Dictionary in conjunction with a good history of pre-modern Japan.