The Story of Japan
Gelesen von LibriVox Volunteers
Robert van Bergen and Robert Van Bergen
(4,5 Sterne; 21 Bewertungen)
Robert van Bergen was one of the first Americans to enter Japan after the country opened its borders to foreign visitors following centuries of isolation. He taught English to Japanese aristocrats, eventually becoming principal of the Nobles' School in Tokyo. This book, which he wrote for young readers during his stay in the country, was first published in 1897. It includes many illustrations.
From the preface: "Our schoolbooks on geography and general history touch but lightly upon the Japanese Empire, and it is for the purpose of enabling children to obtain a correct idea of the people, and of the impulses leading to the rapid progress of the past quarter of a century, that "The Story of Japan" has been written. [...] While the thread of historical events runs throughout this book, many incidents and characteristic stories have been cited to illustrate the manners and customs of the various periods. As the book is designed for children, the stories are clothed in simple form and language, which will, it is hoped, render them attractive to the young mind." (Summary by Kazbek) (6 hr 30 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
very interesting window into one man's perspective on Japan
Ahha
(5 Sterne)
The author provides a very interesting perspective on the history of Japan as relayed to him. It appears as though much of the influence for his work is drawn upon people either of the Samurai class or from those enamored with it. There are many great lessons about human behavior and it exposes a window into the history of the country.