Commodore Perry and the Opening of Japan

U.S. Landmark Books #56

by Ferdinand Kuhn

juvenile history book

Genres: History, Historical, American History

183 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

About Landmark Books
"Each is a book that brings to life a great event or personality in our nation's past. Each is designed to be rich, rewarding reading, capable of stirring the heart as well as the mind. Each is intended to arouse in the reader not only an interest in the course of history, but also an understanding of how the democracy that is our heritage was forged."
-From one of the dust jackets

The Landmark Books for children are a great way to learn history! I can't say enough about these, and it's no wonder that they are highly sought after in the homeschool community. From what I’ve researched, I’ve found these books to be very historically accurate. It’s history told in nicely narrated story-form – a win!

Ages: 10+
Pages: approx. 175-200
Illustrations: some
Price Range: $4 – $125 depending on HC or PB, and the title and its rarity.

Cleanliness: Mentions alcoholic drinks and some people getting drunk. Mentions naked sumo wrestlers wearing only a loincloth. Mentions and explains “hara-kiri” - Japanese suicide. Mentions beheadings. Mentions Buddha, Buddhist temples and the Japanese hatred of Christianity.

**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!

So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m rereading books of my youth. Landmark books published a series of 122 U.S. history books for young readers approximately 60-70 years ago. Sadly, most of these books are out of print. Used copies are hard to find because many are being used by homeschoolers. On a positive note, many of these books may be found on-line on Internet Archive. I found this book to be both an interesting and informative read. My 2+ year search has ended. This is book read #121. I have found that the last remaining book is available on Amazon’s Kindle.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just the right amount of information on this topic. I learned a lot in an interesting way. Not only did the author include where his source material came from but he also provided a few suggestions for those wanting to read more.

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amazing story about how Japan began the turn from a backward heathen land to a civilized land. Perry was a remarkable man.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of a series for young readers, but it's made me once again experience that old familiar ache to go back in time. Not so much do I want to be a part of Commodore Perry's crew, but rather, see Japan when he got to see it!