Giving Up the Gun - Softcover

Perrin, Noel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0879237732 ISBN 13: 9780879237738

Publisher: David R. Godine, 1988

Synopsis

This is a significant story, and Perrin tells it marvelously well, with rich detail, captivating quotations from observers of the time, both Japanese and Western, and a wealth of revealing comparisons with contemporary technology, warfare, and life in Europe. This little book is both thought-provoking and a delight to read. Edwin O. Reischauer, Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

Was there ever a time when a civilization, technically sophisticated, and in full possession of its senses, reverted to an earlier, less advanced technology? You bet: Japan, 1543-1879. During this period Japan effectively prohibited all manufacture of firearms and gunpowder, and isolated itself from the rest of the world with a blockade that remained successful until Commodore Perry's celebrated "opening of Japan" in 1854. An altogether fascinating book "¬‚¬" because Perrin is a consistently good storyteller, because even his footnotes are a delight to read, and because this is a story that really has few parallels in modern history.

About the Author:

Noel Perrin (1927-2004) was the author of thirteen books and a frequent contributor to Vermont Life, Country Journal, The New Yorker, and other magazines.

About this edition

• Publisher: David R. Godine
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0879237732
• ISBN 13: 9780879237738
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 136