Emperor of Japan Meiji and His World, 1852-1912

"[Keene's] special gifts are on display in THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN, which approaches Meiji's life by interweaving two separate but related narratives....The result is a biography that serves as political history. The appeal of this work lies in the skill with which these two narratives are tied together. Although Keene's interpretation of the period does not depart radically from standard histories, he constantly puts Meiji's life in a rich context, and his account is informed by a literary sensibility that lets us see major events in a new light. Keene maintains a critical balance between his role as a historian and his intimate engagement with his subject. His book is a history that revels in detail but remains accessible, leading us through the complex intricacies of court life, political intrigue and international affairs."Keene, Donald is the author of 'Emperor of Japan Meiji and His World, 1852-1912', published 2005 under ISBN 9780231123419 and ISBN 0231123418.