ROBERT VAN BERGEN
THE STORY OF LAPAN
THE STORY OF JAPAN
ROBERT VAN BERGEN
Robert van Bergen was one of the first Americans to enter Japan after the
country opened its borders to foreign visitors following centuries of isolation. He
taught English to Japanese aristocrats, eventually becoming principal of the
Nobles' School in Tokyo. This book, which he wrote for young readers during his
stay in the country, was first published in 1897. It includes many illustrations.
From the preface: "Our schoolbooks on geography and general history touch but
lightly upon the Japanese Empire, and it is for the purpose of enabling children to
obtain a correct idea of the people, and of the impulses leading to the rapid
progress of the past quarter of a century, that "The Story of Japan" has been
written. [...] While the thread of historical events runs throughout this book, many
incidents and characteristic stories have been cited to illustrate the manners and
customs of the various periods. As the book is designed for children, the stories
are clothed in simple form and language, which will, it is hoped, render them
attractive to the young mind."
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Cover designed by Availle with a postcard from 1911.
This design is in the public domain.
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