Giants of Japan: The Lives of Japan's Greatest Men and Women

Rating:
Summary: An informative, eminently readable book
Review: As one largely unacquainted with Japanese history and culture who had a need to learn more about the country, I found "Giants of Japan" a helpful, accessible, and even fun-to-read overview. Weston's format of "bite-sized" profiles makes the book easy to put down and pick up repeatedly without losing continuity.

Rating:
Summary: An eclectic collection of fascinating and remarkable lives
Review: Giants Of Japan: The Lives Of Japan's Greatest Men And Women by journalist and author Mark Weston is an informed and informative biographical survey of great figures drawn from fifteen centuries of Japanese history. Ranging from the internationally famous writer Yukio Mishima and the film director Akira Kurosawa, to historical icons such as Shotoku (the prince who helped bring Buddhism to Japan), and the actress Izumo no Okuni (who created kabuki theater), Giants Of Japan effectively summarizes an eclectic collection of fascinating and remarkable lives revealed in an energetic and raptly interesting presentation. Very highly recommended reading for students of Japanese history and culture.

Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: This was the best book I read last year. Very informative and easy to read.