Japan's Emergence As a Modern State: Political and Economic Problems of the Meiji Period

Eminent Japanologist E. Herbert Norman (1909-57) published this study of the Meiji period (1868-1912) which formed the roots of modern Japan in 1940 (Institute of Pacific Relations, New York). The study considers the decay of feudalism, the rise of industrialism, and how the elite maintained social control. Sixty years later, its value and interest endure; and it is reprinted here with 10 short essays from Canadian, Japanese, and American scholars discussing E.H. Norman's life and work. Woods (international studies, U. of Northern British Columbia) provides a preface and introduction. Canadian card order number: C00-910733-9. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

E. Herbert Norman (1909-57) joined the Canadian Department of External Affairs after his studies and was posted to Japan in 1940-42. In 1946 he returned as part of the Allied occupation team. Accused of Communist sympathies and hounded by Joseph McCarthy, he committed suicide while posted as ambassador to Egypt.

Lawrence T. Woods (editor) teaches international studies at the University of Northern British Columbia.