the political, social, and cultural evolution of Japan from its earliest eras through the mid‑20th century. Hall places special emphasis on Japan’s premodern period, analyzing how its feudal institutions, social hierarchies, and political structures changed over more than two millennia. He explores the influence of both the Chinese civilization (especially from the 6th century) and the West…
Japan: From Prehistory to Modern Times traces the principal threads of Japan's political and cultural life from early times through the mid-twentieth century. In an informative and engaging narrative, the author presents a carefully balanced and authoritative picture of Japan's transformation from a secluded, little known and backward country, with a fundamentally "Eastern" culture, to one of t…