The Mikado's Empire: A History of Japan from the Age of the Gods to the Meiji Era (660 BC-AD 1872)

William Elliot Griffis

Stone Bridge Press, 2007 - History - 492 pages

This reprint of the original 1876 second edition is an enchanting and impressive history of Japan. The first half of the book covers the history of the island nation from 660 BC through 1872 AD, outlining the myths, legends, religions, and customs of the many periods in Japanese history. The second half of the book focuses on the years between 1870 to 1875, the years in which the author lived in Japan, detailing the rapid evolution of modern Japan just after the Meiji Restoration and the arrival of Western culture.

About the author

Griffis (1843-1928) travelled to Japan in 1870 to teach and soon became a leading educator in Tokyo. His work took him around the country meeting various prominent people. He wrote and lectured extensively on Japan upon his return home, becoming the West's most respected authority on Japanese culture. He received the Order of the Rising Sun in 1928.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Mikado's Empire: A History of Japan from the Age of the Gods to the Meiji Era (660 BC-AD 1872); Oriental Studies; Stone Bridge classics; Yohan classics
• Author: William Elliot Griffis
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Stone Bridge Press, 2007
• ISBN: 193333018X, 9781933330181
• Length: 492 pages
• Subjects: History / Asia / General; History / Asia / Japan; History / General; Social Science / Customs & Traditions; Travel / Asia / East / Japan