Capitalism From Within: Economy, Society, and the State in a Japanese Fishery

by David L. Howell

Japan's stunning metamorphosis from an isolated feudal regime to a major industrial power over the course of the nineteeth and early twentieth centuries has long fascinated and vexed historians. In this study, David L. Howell looks beyond the institutional and technological changes that followed Japan's reopening to the West to probe the indigenous origins of Japanese capitalism.

Genres: Japan, Japanese History

264 pages, Hardcover

First published March 30, 1995

Reviews

[Chelsea Szendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me think about the difference between mode of production and social formation (not "base / structure"!), and what happens when the two mesh - Howell argues that a process of "proto-capitalism" emerged in early modern Hokkaido, which does raise issues of center / periphery, and also how capitalism does demand changes in institutions.

[Benemint · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very well-grounded research and has great implication to historiography and theories of capitalism. A bit dry.