Title
Frog In The Well: Portraits Of Japan By Watanabe Kazan, 17931841 (Asia Perspectives)-used
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Frog In The Well Is A Vivid And Revealing Account Of Watanabe Kazan, One Of The Most Important Intellectuals Of The Late Tokugawa Period. From His Impoverished Upbringing To His Tragic Suicide In Exile, Kazan'S Life And Work Reflected A Turbulent Period In Japan'S History. He Was A Famous Artist, A Confucian Scholar, A Student Of Western Culture, A Samurai, And A Critic Of The Shogunate Who, Nevertheless, Felt Compelled To Kill Himself For Fear That He Had Caused His Lord Anxiety.During This Period, A Typical Japanese Scholar Or Artist Refused To Acknowledge The Outside World, Much Like A 'Frog In The Well That Knows Nothing Of The Ocean,' But Kazan Actively Sought Out Western Learning. He Appreciated European Civilization And Bought Every Scrap Of European Art That Was Available In Japan. He Became A Painter To Help His Family Out Of Poverty And, By Employing The Artistic Techniques Of The West, Achieved Great Success With His Realistic And Stylistically Advanced Portraits.Although He Remained A Nationalist Committed To The Old Ways, Kazan Called On The Shogunate To Learn From The West Or Risk Disaster. He Strove To Improve The Agricultural And Economic Conditions Of His Province And Reinforce Its Defenses, But His Criticisms And Warnings About Possible Coastal Invasions Ultimately Led To His Arrest And Exile.Frog In The Well Is The First Fulllength Biography Of Kazan In English, And, In Telling His Life'S Story, Renowned Scholar Donald Keene Paints A Fascinating Portrait Of The Social And Intellectual Milieus Of The Late Tokugawa Period. Richly Illustrated With Kazan'S Paintings, Frog In The Well Illuminates A Life That Is Emblematic Of The Cultural Crises Affecting Japan In The Years Before Revolution.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has three hundred four pages. This length provides a comprehensive exploration of Watanabe Kazan's life and works.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is bound in hardcover. Hardcover binding offers durability and a classic aesthetic for collectors.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures five point nine two inches in length, one point zero two inches in width, and nine point two six inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard size for easy handling.
- Q: Who is the author of Frog in the Well? A: The author is Donald Keene, a renowned scholar. He provides insightful commentary and context about Watanabe Kazan's significance.
- Q: What is the main genre of this book? A: The main genre is history. It delves into the social and intellectual aspects of Japan during the late Tokugawa period.
- Q: How do I read this book effectively? A: To read this book effectively, approach it chapter by chapter. This allows you to absorb Kazan's complex life and the historical context.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: This book is more suitable for adult readers and older teens. It covers mature themes related to suicide and historical criticism.
- Q: What themes are explored in Frog in the Well? A: Key themes include nationalism, Western influence, and personal tragedy. These themes reflect the cultural crises in Japan prior to revolution.
- Q: How should I care for this hardcover book? A: To care for this hardcover book, store it upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Can I clean the book's cover? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions to prevent damage.
- Q: What should I do if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, contact the seller to initiate a return. Most sellers provide a warranty or return policy for such cases.
- Q: Is there a return policy for this book? A: Yes, there is typically a return policy. However, it's best to check the specific seller’s terms for details.
- Q: How can I contact customer support for issues with the book? A: You can contact customer support through the platform where you purchased the book. Look for a 'Contact Us' section for assistance.
- Q: Are there illustrations in Frog in the Well? A: Yes, the book is richly illustrated with Kazan's paintings. These visuals complement the text and enhance understanding of his work.
- Q: What makes this biography unique? A: This biography is unique as it is the first full-length account of Watanabe Kazan in English. It provides new insights into a pivotal figure in Japanese history.
- Q: How does this book compare to other historical biographies? A: This book stands out due to its focus on a lesser-known figure and the integration of art analysis. It provides a distinct perspective on Japanese history.