Historical and Geographical Dictionary of Japan

Historical and Geographical Dictionary of Japan (English and Japanese Edition) includes an introduction by Terence Barrow, Ph.D. This comprehensive compendium of Japanalia runs the gamut from Abe to Zushu. In between the reader will find in alphabetical order the principal events and names in the history of Japan up to the 20th century. Here are the dynasties from Jimmu Tenno, the first emperor, to the Meiji Restoration; genealogies of emperors and princes; myths and ministries; temples and shrines; and religions and the relationship of Buddhist sects. A biographical supplement entitled "Principal Foreigners Connected with Japan Before the Restoration presents an engrossing panorama of the frustrations, tribulations and persecutions of foreigners in early Japan. True records are related of the Jesuits, Dominicans, and other Papinot mentions as being burned alive at Edo, buried alive at Nagaski, condemned to the torment 0f the pit and crucified. Old Japan was not all cherry blossoms, butterflies, dainty geisha and stately Fuji-san, as this monumental study shows. Some 300 illustrations round out the author's immense canvas within the framework of almost 900 pages. Also included is a preface, a historical introduction with a breakdown of the various periods, and more than a dozen maps.