The Mikado's Empire: History of Japan, and Personal Experiences, Observations and Studies in Japan 1870-1874

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.