Sons of Heaven: A Portrait of the Japanese Monarchy

by Jerrold M. Packard

Traces the history of the Japanese monarchy, discusses the role of the emperor in Japanese society, and describes court life and the caste system

Genres: History, Japan

400 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1987

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is everything you ever wanted to know about the Japanese emperor, daimyo, shogun and samurai. It is a long book, but tells the lore of the legendary rulers from about 500 B.C., as well as the recorded historical information up to the Showa period.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

The institution of the Japanes emperor is an ancient one and central to understanding Japan. This general readership book outlines the history of the Japanese emperor through its history and eclipse by the Shoguns and later restoration in modern times.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in the 80s, this is obviously out of date in the later chapters.

That out of the way, Packard has laid out the history of Japan's monarchy from the very beginning, through to his modern day. The focus remains tight on emperor and court, so thise looking for a wider history of Japan's government's actions are in the wrong book.

Packard examines the place Japan has given its emperors - as religious leaders - and how that has and hasn't shaped the rest of the country. It is a really interesting read of such a different kind of power.