Noel Perrin (1927–2004)

from cover

'This is a significant story, and Perrin tells it marvelously well, with rich detail, captivating quotations from observers of th etime, both Japanese and Western, and a wealth of revealing comparisions with contemporary technology, warfare, and life in Europe. This little book is both thought-provoking and a delight to read.'--Edwin O. Reischauer, former US Ambassador to Japan

'Professor Noel Perrin has written an elegant monograph, magnificently illustrated with a wealth of Japanese prints.'-New York Times Book Review

'Through his description of one historical event in Japan's national experience, Noel Perrin has written a book as tight and elegant as a haiku. The story is a fascintating one' Japan's introductin to, mastery of, and subsequent abandonment of, the gun...Perrin's work is so crisp and interesting, and so loaded with background information and revealing anecdotes, that the whole peculiar episode it describes jumps to life from its pages.'-The New Republic

'[Perrin] has set down a fascinating story, one which has long been inaccessible to the West. Giving up the Gun, written for general readership, is thoroughly enjoyable-filled with marvelous anecdotes and illustrations.'-Washington Post Book World

Contents

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven (Postscript), Notes (Foreword), Acknowledgments & Sources… (mais)