Interpreting the Mikado's Empire: The Writings of William Elliot Griffis

William Elliot Griffis (1843–1928) was an American writer who chronicled Meiji Japan for over fifty years, covering topics such as the samurai class, daily life, racial theory, empire, and war. This anthology offers a dynamic perspective on Meiji Japan through the eyes of a colorful and engaging writer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

William Elliot Griffis (1843–1928) was a prolific writer who chronicled the rapidly changing Meiji Japan and its people for over fifty years. His writing career was unparalleled in its length and scope, covering the entire sweep of Meiji history and reaching a wide range of American audiences. Griffis began his teaching career in Fukui and later in Tokyo, where he wrote magazine essays on the final days of feudalism in Japan and its aspirations to become a modern nation. After returning to the United States, he continued to write extensively, producing dozens of books and hundreds of articles on various topics such as the samurai class, daily life, racial theory, empire, and war.

In addition to his writing, Griffis was a tireless public speaker, delivering thousands of lectures on Japan. He described his mission as "interpreting Japan to America, with voice and pen," and his writing reflected his deep understanding and fascination with the country. This anthology brings together the best of Griffis' writing, offering a dynamic perspective on Meiji Japan through the eyes of a colorful and engaging writer.

Griffis' writing was characterized by his ability to capture the essence of Meiji Japan and its people. He depicted the country's transformation from a feudal society to a modern, industrialized nation with great detail and insight. He also explored the social and cultural changes that accompanied this transition, including the rise of the samurai class, the development of a national identity, and the impact of Westernization on Japanese society.

One of Griffis' most notable works is his book "The Tale of the Genji," which is considered a masterpiece of Japanese literature. This book, which was written in the early 1900s, provides a detailed account of the life and loves of the fictional character Genji, a prince of the Heian court in Japan. Through the character of Genji, Griffis explores the complexities of Japanese society and the role of women in the Heian court.

Griffis' writing was also influenced by his own experiences in Japan. He spent several years in the country, living in both Tokyo and Kyoto, and he developed a deep appreciation for Japanese culture and history. His writing reflects his observations and experiences, and he was able to provide a unique perspective on the country that few other Western writers were able to achieve.

In addition to his writing, Griffis was also a prominent figure in the field of Japanese studies. He was a professor of Japanese literature at Harvard University, and he was instrumental in promoting the study of Japanese culture and history in the United States. He was a founding member of the Japan Society of America, and he served as its president for several years.

Griffis' legacy as a writer and scholar of Japanese culture and history is enduring. His books and articles continue to be studied and admired by scholars and enthusiasts alike, and his contributions to the field of Japanese studies have helped to shape our understanding of the country and its people.

In conclusion, William Elliot Griffis was a remarkable writer who chronicled the rapidly changing Meiji Japan and its people for over fifty years. His writing career was unparalleled in its length and scope, covering the entire sweep of Meiji history and reaching a wide range of American audiences. Griffis' ability to capture the essence of Meiji Japan and its people, his deep understanding of Japanese culture and history, and his tireless efforts to promote the study of Japanese culture and history in the United States have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and inform us today.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793626493