Originally published in 1931, this classic work of interpretative Japanese scholarship was revised in 1946 and again in 1952.

Although termed "a short history," the book—the only distinguished general survey of Japanese history in English before World War II—covers the economic, social, and religious changes in Japan from the fourth through to the nineteenth century and the breakdown of feudalism. Based on both primary and secondary sources in Japan, Sansom makes plain the way Japanese have come, and shows why they are what they are, enabling the reader to get some grip on the situation in the Far East.

Fine plates, line drawings, a map, and an excellent index complement this instructive and fascinating Japanese history book.