The Story of Japan
Robert van Bergen and Robert Van Bergen
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
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Robert van Bergen was one of the first Americans to enter Japan after the country opened its borders to foreign visitors following centuries of isolation. He taught English to Japanese aristocrats, eventually becoming principal of the Nobles' School in Tokyo. This book, which he wrote for young readers during his stay in the country, was first published in 1897. It includes many illustrations.
From the preface: "Our schoolbooks on geography and general history touch but lightly upon the Japanese Empire, and it is for the purpose of enabling children to obtain a correct idea of the people, and of the impulses leading to the rapid progress of the past quarter of a century, that "The Story of Japan" has been written. [...] While the thread of historical events runs throughout this book, many incidents and characteristic stories have been cited to illustrate the manners and customs of the various periods. As the book is designed for children, the stories are clothed in simple form and language, which will, it is hoped, render them attractive to the young mind." (Summary by Kazbek) (6 hr 30 min)
Chapters
Preface | 2:57 | Read by Steve Mayer |
Jimmu, First Emperor of Japan | 6:50 | Read by Steve Mayer |
Story of Yamato Daké | 7:33 | Read by Steve Mayer |
Prince Bravest's Conquests | 5:18 | Read by Steve Mayer |
First Invasion of Korea | 6:29 | Read by Larry Wilson |
Buddhism brought to Japan | 6:16 | Read by CaptainKetchup |
The Oldest Clans of Japan | 5:47 | Read by Availle |
Minamoto defeats Taira | 10:28 | Read by Availle |
Story of "Young Ox" | 4:58 | Read by CaptainKetchup |
The Last of the Minamoto | 6:03 | Read by Alan Mapstone |
An Independent Tennô | 7:05 | Read by CaptainKetchup |
Christianity in Japan | 7:23 | Read by Larry Wilson |
A Great General | 5:52 | Read by Steve Mayer |
The Lord Of the Golden Water Gourds | 7:34 | Read by Steve Mayer |
The Second Invasion of Korea | 9:10 | Read by Larry Wilson |
The Three Hollyhock Leaves | 11:34 | Read by Rita Boutros |
The Dutch in Japan | 16:44 | Read by Rita Boutros |
Persecutions of the Christians | 7:29 | Read by Larry Wilson |
Restrictions of the Dutch | 15:23 | Read by Rita Boutros |
A Visit to the Regent | 7:31 | Read by CaptainKetchup |
A Shrewd Judge | 5:58 | Read by CaptainKetchup |
Tosa's Revenge | 8:55 | Read by CaptainKetchup |
A Wife's Noble Act | 6:24 | Read by CaptainKetchup |
The Forty-seven Rônin | 26:10 | Read by CaptainKetchup |
Various Attempts to trade with Japan | 10:18 | Read by WanderingWalker |
A Russian Captive | 12:14 | Read by WanderingWalker |
English Attempts to trade with Japan | 16:06 | Read by WanderingWalker |
United States seeks Trade with Japan | 6:53 | Read by Audrey Sing |
How Perry secured a Treaty | 12:30 | Read by Audrey Sing |
Japan in Perry's Time | 10:08 | Read by Audrey Sing |
Japan Opened | 23:57 | Read by Larry Wilson |
The Tokugawa Regents step out | 8:07 | Read by Availle |
How a Samurai committed Hara-kiri | 8:42 | Read by Larry Wilson |
The Tennô leaves his Seclusion | 17:46 | Read by Availle |
Saigo Takamori | 8:43 | Read by Colleen McMahon |
Japan's Progress | 12:11 | Read by Steve C |
War with China | 30:33 | Read by Steve C |
Mutsuhito, Emperor of Japan | 6:53 | Read by Colleen McMahon |
Reviews
very interesting window into one man's perspective on Japan
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Ahha
The author provides a very interesting perspective on the history of Japan as relayed to him. It appears as though much of the influence for his work is drawn upon people either of the Samurai class or from those enamored with it. There are many great lessons about human behavior and it exposes a window into the history of the country.