Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun
By S. K. List,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
A vivid picture of Perry's historic mission.
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What's the Story?
America's nineteenth-century courtship of Japan thrust the isolated Land of the Rising Sun reluctantly into the midst of world affairs. Through deft depictions of personalities, clearly explained events, and colorful sidelights, this excellent history paints a vivid picture of U.S. Navy officer Matthew Perry's historic diplomatic mission.
Is It Any Good?
Rhoda Blumberg's lucid writing, immediate in tone and easily accessible to bright youngsters, springs from deep knowledge and research. Had they landed on another planet in 1853, Americans could scarcely have encountered a culture more alien to their own than that of 19th century feudal Japan. Blumberg brings this strangeness to life, spelled out in such details as banquet menus, table manners, and jarringly different social customs. Blumberg has produced a thorough treatment of a little-known but pivotal event in world history.
Unfortunately, the grace of her approach is undermined by the book's poor picture quality. Although the pictures are well chosen and fascinating, they often are poorly reproduced. Even so, beguiled by tales of samurais excitedly riding a toy railroad bestowed by the Americans, of Dutchmen made to jump and dance to amuse the shogun's court, of the Japanese fashion for black-painted teeth, young history hounds will eagerly gobble up this excellent account.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about unfamiliar cultures. What part of your own culture do you think might seem strange to a visitor from another culture? How can you learn more about different peoples and places around the world?
Book Details
- Author: Rhoda Blumberg
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: William Morrow
- Publication date: January 1, 1985
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 144
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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