Japan Books

In Soldier's Home, Hemingway's fictional account of a soldier returning from the Great War, the protagonist struggles to communicate his experience to the residents of his small town:

"At first Krebs, who had been at Belleau Wood, Soissons, the Champagne, St. Mihiel and in the Argonne did not want to talk about the war at all. Later he felt the need to talk but no one wanted to hear about it. His town had heard too many atrocity stories to be thrilled by actualities."

Captured Honor, a work of non-fiction, begins in similarly painful territory, with a moving description of Jack Elkins' homecoming after service in the War in the Pacific. Elkins had an extremely bad war as a prisoner of the Japanese in the Philippines and Japan, the details of which are frankly told in author Wodnik's compelling account. At war's end, Elkins finds himself pushed to the microphone on the stage of his small town church before an audience that includes his grammar school principal, old girlfriends, the hardware store clerk and his parents, among others. Their eyes search him for clues as to whether he remains the high school quarterback they remember, or has instead been transformed into "some sanitarium freak returned home to mom and dad."

Like Krebs, Elkins finds words inadequate to describe the enormity of his wartime experience. "You either tell all, or tell nothing" he thinks, and elects to keep the awful details to himself for more than 50 years.

Fortunately for us author Wodnik, a good listener and a fine writer, is able to engage Elkins and others who suffered as prisoners of the Japanese in their painful memories. Elkins, who fought bravely at Corregidor, survived the brutal Cabanatuan POW camp, and ended the war as a slave laborer working in the Mitsubishi shipyard in Yokohama, is a compelling subject, an ordinary man enduring extraordinary brutality in wartime. The book includes stirring memories of others including Fran Agnes, an apple picker turned Army aircraft mechanic who witnessed the Japanese destruction of Clark Field and survived the Bataan Death March and Henry Chamberlin, a medic, who is dispatched by his captors to Japan on a Hellship in conditions of unspeakable squalor.

Wodnik's important history is interspersed with scenes from the home front in Everett Washington, such as Veronica Lake flying in to sell war bonds to the star-struck citizenry. The correspondence of Ed Fox, an Everett hotel clerk and book fiend whose deepest influence seems to have been Dashiell Hammett, shows us the underside of a town emerging from the Depression, and fully engaged in wartime production of Boeing aircraft.

Captured Honor is a beautifully written book that presents with unsentimental empathy the stories of nine Americans who fought on Bataan and Corregidor. It juxtaposes these stories with an account of what was happening on the home scene -- specifically, in Everett, Washington, a town busy with war work -- as recorded in the diaries of a bookish hotel clerk. The juxtaposition works; it offers relief, and with these stories, I needed it.

Recently I learned much about the POW experience on the Bataan death march, on the "hell ships" and in the camps in the Philippines and Japan when I found a privately published 1959 novel written by a survivor. To me the other book was fantastical, so hard to believe that I started reading other veterans' narratives in an effort to make sense of it. Now Wodnik's nonfiction account has confirmed just about everything in it.

I think Captured Honor is an essential contribution to the history of the Pacific war -- and that Wodnik must be a gifted interviewer; these are often horrific, unglamorous memories that might have remained unrecorded. Time is running out for gathering these kinds of oral histories. But as hard as it is to read them, I am grateful for this book.

For anyone who is interested in the accounts of these brave men, this author has the ability to translate their memories into a fasinating and heartfelt read.

He put's you as much as is possible "at Corregidor, Bataan, and the infamous Zero Ward at Cabanatuan with Henry Chamberlain. Jack, Galen, Hanson, Johannsen,,, hero's all. It is to men like these we truly owe our right to walk in Freedom.

The book also gives you an account of what is happening at home which is an important part of the telling of the whole story. The auhor's command of the descriptive phrase makes people like Gracie, and Ed come alive. "the window in the room must have looked out onto a sky hanging so low in winter it seemed to scrape bricks from the faces of Seattle's tallest buildings".

Captured Honor .. thank you for capturing the memories for us before they were lost and faded...

This is a captivating story of the unexpected love between an American soldier and an aristocratic Japanese student, set in WWII. They are together against the world - her parents in Kyoto-Japan, his parents in America, and the prejudices of the era against mixed marriages and the product of them, mixed children. 'The Hidden Flower' is one of Buck's masterpieces!

This book is one of the most intelligent, moving and open-minded statements on interracial love and relationships that I have ever come across. Buck's story of a star-crossed pair of East-West lovers set in post-War Japan explores the racial pride and prejudices of both the East and West. She also manages to tell a deeply moving human story that transcends race. And remember, she was doing this in pre-MLK America, when non-mixing of the races was a cherished American value. Few if any authors have handled this subject with more insight and even-handedness than Buck. And none with more genuine compassion. Should be required reading in any multi-ethnic society.

I first read this book when I contained my own "not so" hidden flower, I was a six months pregnant American woman married to a native Japanese. I was also young, in my early twenties. It touched me incredibly deeply. It is the story of young naive love, love that does not question if it chooses wisely. It is about passion without reason and the consequences of that love that cause great pain in the end. The young heroine chooses to love an American military man and marry him. He is enamoured with her, comletely taken and brings her home to be his bride only to discover that it is against the law to be married to a non-white. Indeed this law was changed only within my own lifetime. I can't imagine having to make the terrible choices the young woman was faced with once she found she was going to have a baby. The other interesting issue is the taste the American serviceman shows for the sexy exotic nature of his bride, but when it truly comes to the reality of life he easily discards her. ALthough he initially married her one can see the old saying emerge: "Asian girls are for fun, white girls are for marriage."

A touching and sad story, one that is hard for the younger generation to comprehend.

Powelson turns to the historical experience of nations for an answer to the central question of economic development: why do some nations grow rich while others do not? The answer lies in the relationship between the decentralization of power and the ability of economic actors to play a role in the formation of transactional institutions. Absolutely necessary for students of development.

Jack Powelson's book, Centruies of Economic Endeavour, gives a clear explanation of why some countries (like the U.S. and Japan) are so much better at providing economic resources to its citizens than other countries, like in Eastern Europe, Africa and South America. His many years in business as well as academia results in relevant and clearly detailed notes for the reader to follow up. This book helped me understand why, even today, so many countries with large amounts of natural resources, cannot seem to get their people out of poverty. Must reading. Highly recomended.

If you believe in Lord Acton's dictum that "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely," this book is for you. There have been a variety of theories why some countries have prospered and some have not. Some say it depends on allowing free trade; some argue it depends on the degree of democracy as opposed to socialism or communism. Douglass North won a Nobel prize for his work to prove that the key is having the right societal institutions. Certainly it takes more than having natural resources.

Professor Powelson (Economics at the U. of Colorado) has worked extensively in developing countries and observed that despite all the good advice these countries received, and had been receiving for 50 years, they were making very little progress. To find out why, he decided to study history, going back over ten centuries in every important region of the world to see what lessons could be learned. His conclusions are startlingly simple: People prosper and societies thrive where there is genuine diffusion of power -- power earned, not bestowed by a ruler. Where power is centralized among a ruling few, the ruling few are able to take care of themselves, but their nations fail to grow and prosper and the people stay poor.

This book explains why every college freshman should be required to study Western Civilization before studying any other. As George Santayana has said already, "Those who ignore the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them." Professor Powelson has written the most important history book of the past century for anyone interested in the lessons to be learned from the histories of Northern Europe, Japan, China, India, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, all covered beautifully in this one book.

History should never be disguised or rewritten or we will be doomed to repeat ourselves. Ms. Finch documented history of her 4 years as an American POW is a story worthy of an Opera expose.

A mind-boggling account of horrific proportions that every American should read. As seen through the eyes of a preteen, this is a factual presentation of events that transpired during WWII. Its heroic account of survival against infinite odds is a testament to the amazing love shared by mother and daughter, their unshakable faith, and prescient ability to adapt. Forced to observe and participate in reprehensible acts, they somehow managed to survive. Do not begin to read this book unless you have a free day, are willing to experience horror, anger, revulsion, and uncontrollable tears. 5 plus stars! Art Peterson

Ms. Finch has written an impressive account of her experiences as a child POW. She and her mother survived through their love, strength and courage as prisoners of the Japanese during World War II, and her painful recollections will stay with you long after reading the last page. It is also a richly detailed story of the times and of the family ties that bind when the world around is being torn apart.

I inherited my grandmother's Noritake china set when she died, and wanted to know the year of production and what it was worth. The pictures of the maker's marks and patterns were very useful. I discovered our pattern was made in 1931, and was worth about $2,500! Not that I would ever part with such a sentimental gift...It's just nice to know the history of something. Thanks to the author for her research!

I found this book to be very useful. It's very well organized and well written. An only suggestion for the next edition is to have glossier/brighter/clearer photographs.

I found this book to be logical and informative. The foundation of this book is based upon the chronilogical use of each mark. The patterns are then listed alphabetically within the time period that "mark" was used. Because of this book - all my freinds and colleages think of me as a "Early Noritake Expert" - I dont have the heart to tell them that I am not! I highly recommend this book to any and all collectors and/or dealers of Noritake!

I collect older (collectible) MADE IN JAPAN items and therefore I have quite a few books on the subject. This book is not complete but quite helpful. Photos are nice.

Many different volumes have been written on this subject. Infact, I own 3 other books on this subject.

When "Made in Japan" collectibles were issued there were sooooo many different items sold, that it would be impossible to include all of them in just one book. The author tried and did a good job though.

Book #2 is every bit as good as the first one. NO REPEATS !... and new information on the companies that made these delightful pieces. Color photos, marks and all the information you need. Ms. Whites books are getting like potato chips to me.. you can't have just one!

Carole Bess White has put together an exhaustive reference work on Japanese ceramics from the early 20th century to today. Her extensive research really pays off in this book, crammed full of photos of all types.

Bess covers everything from ash trays to water sets, candy dishes to salt & pepper sets, Satsuma to souvenir plates. I especially like the many photos of various backstamps (marks) she provides. The book has over 250 pages of photos, and includes catalog pages from current novelty producers. If you're interested in collectible ceramics "Made in Japan", don't hesitate to buy this book!

I collect older (collectible) MADE IN JAPAN items and therefore I have quite a few books on the subject. This book is not complete but quite helpful. Photos are nice.

Many different volumes have been written on this subject. Infact, I own 3 other books on this subject.

When "Made in Japan" collectibles were issued there were sooooo many different items sold, that it would be impossible to include all of them in just one book. The author tried and did a good job though.

This was an awesome product for me to have because I have alot of ceramics that have the made in japan labels on them. It is really fun to look them up to see if what you have is worth anything.

Made in Japan Ceramics Book 3 continues to give the readers what they want: INFORMATION ! Biscuit Barrels, Figurines, Condiment Sets , Wall Pockets, etc.,etc., with top notch color photos. Carole Bess White has chosen to share her vast knowledge and love of these charming pieces. Thanks Carole. When shall we expect volume #4 ?

This book is written in a matter of fact way that provides an excellent understanding of the trials medical personnel underwent during the Battle for Iwo Jima. I began to read it one evening after work and couldn't put the book down until I had read the final page! It is rare to find such a book that captures your attention for such a long time. I recommend this book.

I am happy to see that this book is now available in paperback. I just finished reading Dr. Vedder's book - I had found a 1984 hard-cover edition in a used book store. This is a great narrative about brutal combat on Iwo Jimo, but from the perspective of the physician, working under rather extraordinary conditions. This is an excellent book for any reader interested in WWII in the Pacific, and especially for those interested in military medicine.

Finally back in print, Vedder's Surgeon On Iwo is a classic. The most detailed account of combat from the medic's point of view I have ever read. It never gets too wordy or trite but paints an accurate picture of combat and saving lives in America's worst battle. As a career military physician I recommend this as must reading for anyone wanting to know how bad it can get, both for the medics and combatants. The writing style is matter of fact, almost stark. The best description of intensly contested, unrelenting battlefield conditions in print. All war libraries must have this book.

Richard Wiley's novel takes you to a time of great change in Japan, the opening to the west. You will see history through the eyes of memorable vivid characters - and you will feel attached to these people - their strengths and foibles - their love affairs, rip-roaring bloody battles and roll on the floor laughing scenes as well.
It's got something for everyone and just beautifully written.

I've read all of Richard Wiley's books, and like anyone else, I have my favorites. Soldiers in Hiding is, of course, a fine book. Fool's Gold is a beauty, and Festival for 3,000 Maidens is a great little Peace Corps Novel. I have to ask myself whether Commodore Perry's Minstrel Show is now my favorite because I've just finished it, but it's a strange and wonderful delight.

Who else would write about such an unusual subject? And what makes the book such a pleasure? It has to do with the beauty of the characters and the language, both light as a feather and yet capable of great and sudden strength. I've rarely seen a book with such a texture, bright and dark, comic and serious, distant and close, ridiculous and urgent.

At times I found myself wondering why I became so involved with this odd bunch of characters from the mid 1800's Japan, but generally I was too involved to ask the question. Of course, it's no wonder, since Richard Wiley has lived in, visited, and obviously loved Japan over the years. But what surprised me the most was the book's ability to make me gasp now and again. And to curse the writer for having received, worked for, and developed such a gift.

The novelist Richard Bausch once remarked that a reader is always guaranteed to learn something new in any novel written by Richard Wiley. Wiley shepherds us into a foreign landscape and introduces us to a culture that is strikingly remote from our own yet is so intimately and recognizably human that we close the book with the realization that not only are we more savvy about the workings of the world at large, but we have a rich new insight into ourselves as well. These two feats can be achieved only by a literary master capable of topnotch entertainment who also has his thumb firmly on the pulse of humanity. In Commodore Perry's Minstrel Show, Richard Wiley outdoes himself. The novel abounds in characters who will live in the reader's mind long after finishing that last page; a plot that is riveting in terms of tragedy, comedy, and samurai action; if that's not enough, this novel is one of the most poetically rendered achievements I've read in the past year. Each sentence is carefully crafted and is in full service to a compelling story about the cultural clashes, tribal rivalries, and familial conflicts that occur when Commodore Perry and his unlikely crew sail into Japan's Edo Bay in 1854 to open trade with the United States. Along the way we are treated to sex, romance, swordplay, deapitation, high and low comedy, and a sense of history whose heartbeat resounds through the ages to make it all feel insistently modern. I recommend this book without reservation to anyone who cares about excellent storytelling.

Almost all of the pieces in this book go far beyond the realm of craft and some even cross the line into pure sculpture. The beauty, complexity and originality are staggering. The photography is top-notch and the artist bios are great. My only complaints are that the glue binding is not very good (my paperback copy is severely cracked after a few nonviolent leafings-through) and that it severely leaves you wanting more. If they had doubled the number of pieces shown for each artist it would not be enough (for me, anyway). However, a full five stars because the work and presentation are superb.

Coffland presents not only brief history of traditional bamboo arts, but in a marvelously succinct introduction to the artists featured, he also presents some of the dilemmas faced by both Japanese and American basketmakers. His explanation of what it takes to become a bamboo artist/basketmaker offers the American basketry artist a cultural cross-reference on the meaning of artistry and accomplishment. As Executive Director of the National Basketry Organization, Inc., and an aspiring basketry artist, I would like to see every serious basketmaker read this book...it would refresh our minds, spark our creativity, and remind us that artistic accomplishment is not instant gratification. The quality of the writing, photographs, and portraits make this a must read.

I am so excited about this book! As a professional weaver and teacher of basketry I have a passionate interest in Japanese bamboo basketry. The book, Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Arts, makes the breathtaking aesthetics of Japanese Bamboo Basketry accessable to everyone.

Thanks to people like Robert T. Coffland and his tireless efforts, basketry in general is taking it's rightful place as a serious fiber art form, worldwide. His knowledge of the history, artists, and the complexities of this discipline is apparent in the book's first section. The stunning photography of Pat Pollard and Art Streiber make even the smallest detail visible in the basketry and reveal the intense commitment in the faces and surroundings of the artists.

I keep this book nearby while I am working and randomly open it to any page. As I look at the artists in their element and read their stories I can almost imagine myself there. I am inspired! I study the beautifully photographed works and I am nourished!

This book is not only an essential for basketry artists and collectors but I think designers and decorators would benefit by having this book as a guide.