(Eng ed 20–9379)
“Dr McGovern spent ten years in the Far East, ‘six of which were devoted to school and college studies in Japan.’ He is, therefore, eminently qualified as an interpreter of Japanese thought and Japanese ideas. He begins with an ethnographical, geographical and historical introduction. Having discussed the early history of the Yamato race, he proceeds to give a summary of the evolution of the country since it was opened up by Commodore Perry’s famous visit. He tells of its constitution and political parties, of its organization and government, of its finances, of its efficient bureaucracy (as compared with the cumbrous British form), its imperial socialism (as he calls the centralization of all economic activity), of its military efficiency (based on German models), of its naval menace, of its industrial and commercial development, its banking system, its agriculture, its foreign trade. The concluding section is a very brief statement of the language and literature, the arts of sculpture, painting, the drama, poetry and religion in its three-fold phase.”—Boston Transcript
“His book is distinctly illuminating, although we may complain that too much space is devoted to the dry bones of political and military matters, and not enough to the psychology of the people and its expression in literature and the other arts.”
+ − Ath p528 Ap 16 ’20 100w
“A clear, forceful condensation.”
+ Booklist 16:342 Jl ’20
“Much of Dr McGovern’s book is the expression of a full knowledge and an open mind. It is perhaps the fairest exposition of the whole field of Japanese thought and accomplishment to be found in the vast number of books which have been written about Japan. Dr McGovern’s style is not noticeable for grace.” N. H. D.
+ − Boston Transcript p11 My 1 ’20 900w
“To those who wish to gain an insight into the potentialities of this forward pushing nation Dr McGovern’s book offers information that is well worth having.”