The creation of modern Japan
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This book chronicles the life of Saigô Takamori the so-called `Last Samurai' and one of the creators of the modern Japanese state. This book details his life from humble beginnings through exile twice to his position as one of the three most powerful men in Japan and his eventual fall fighting against the government he helped create. As well as this because Saigô was so involved in Japanese political reform this book is also a great source of information on Japanese politics and culture during the period. Mark Ravina does a good job in bringing the life of this remarkable man to the page, clearly explaining things that would be unfamiliar to a Western audience, although he would benefit from some better proofreading in places. This book is a must read for anyone interested in Japanese history.
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