Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun
by Rhoda Blumberg
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Book Summary Information
Author: Rhoda BlumbergEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2003-02-01
ISBN: 0060086254
Number of pages: 144
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Book Reviews of Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun
Book Review: Journey to Japan with Commodore Perry
Summary: 4 Stars
Beginning as the "giant dragons puffing smoke" descended upon the fishing village of Shimoda, this book chronologically follows Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition and subsequent opening of Japan for trade with the United States. This volume, which appears to have been extremely well-researched, fits the actions and reaction of both the Japanese and the westerners into an unbiased and even context. Japanese feudal society is explained, as well as Japan's historically isolationist position, and it is pointedly explained just how much misinformation about one another each side believed. One point that will stand out to most readers is the irony of how each side looked upon the other - as barbarians in need of civilizing; and just how much politics and personality impacts the face of world relations.
Artwork is less abundant than in similar texts, but with licensing fees and the rising cost of publishing, this is understandable. A number of Japanese images of Commodore Perry are included, each less flattering than the one before it. The appendices are particularly interesting: a letter from President Millard Fillmore (you just don't see enough about old Millard) to the Emperor of Japan, and a translation of the Emperor's reply; an intriguing list of American Presents for the Japanese (nearly everyone in the Emperor's family or commission received, among other things, at least 5 gallons of whiskey and a revolver), and a similar list of presents from the Japanese for Americans; and the text of the Treaty of Kanagawa.
Summary of Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun
In 1853, few Japanese people
knew that a country
called America even existed.
knew that a country
called America even existed.
For centuries, Japan had isolated itself from the outside world by refusing to trade with other countries and even refusing to help shipwrecked sailors, foreign or Japanese. The country's people still lived under a feudal system like that of Europe in the Middle Ages. But everything began to change when American Commodore Perry and his troops sailed to the Land of the Rising Sun, bringing with them new science and technology, and a new way of life.
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