What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christian Century in Japan, 1549-1650
On 23 September 1548, a boat carrying two Portuguese merchants was blown ashore on the south-westerly tip of Japan. Thus by chance they discovered the fabled country reported by Marco Polo. In 1549 St Francis Xavier started a Jesuit mission in Japan. Christianity flourished; by the end of the "Christian Century" there were some 300,000 converts. Then the Shoguns rose to absolute power, the missionaries were expelled and Christians persecuted. Two centuries later, when Commodore Perry forced Japan to open its ports, thousands of Christians declared themselves. This classic study of a remarkable but little-known period of Japanese history was first published in 1951. This edition is illustrated with the works of art produced in that fruitful century of cultural cross-fertilisation.
552 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1974
About the author
Charles Ralph Boxer
44 books15 followersCharles Ralph Boxer, FBA, was a historian of Dutch and Portuguese maritime and colonial history. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._R._B...]
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 19, 2020
This long long read about the history of Christianity in Japan rivals our readings in Philippine History by the great Fr. John Schumacher, S.J. I was really fascinated with the obsession over the small details and their role in the big picture, not to mention that there are historical gems found here, such as:
-the interplay of God, mammon, and power in the Christianization of Japan
-how true are the Christian peasants and the rebellion instigated by Amakusa, which became a factor in...
-the non-invasion of Luzon by Tokugawa
While this is a bit old, I think it's a must for those who study the History of the Missions in Asia.
-the interplay of God, mammon, and power in the Christianization of Japan
-how true are the Christian peasants and the rebellion instigated by Amakusa, which became a factor in...
-the non-invasion of Luzon by Tokugawa
While this is a bit old, I think it's a must for those who study the History of the Missions in Asia.
February 11, 2015
The good: the minor squabbles. I didn't know Tokugawa Ieyasu had a British adviser (Ieyasu, you smooth criminal). I too didn't know that the Dutch (is implied to) encouraged the shogunate to attack the Portuguese base in Macau and Manila. History after all is a patchwork made by tiny pieces.
The bad: the loanwords. If my barely there Dutch is strangling me, my nonexistent Portuguese is burying me alive. "Death by Linguistics: a Novel by Me" -- coming never to the bookstore near you.
The bad: the loanwords. If my barely there Dutch is strangling me, my nonexistent Portuguese is burying me alive. "Death by Linguistics: a Novel by Me" -- coming never to the bookstore near you.
October 8, 2009
It's even better after already having a general picture of the history of the Church in Japan. He doesn't hide some unfortunate historical squabbles between some of the religious orders, etc. So, for starters I might recommend a different book. But I found this interesting.
September 19, 2022
A classic, though sadly hard to find nowadays, written with Boxers characteristic combination of academic thoroughness and sharp literary skill.
May 5, 2021
A fascinating, very detailed look at little known part of history of Japan. The Christian Century in Japan by British historian C. R Boxer tell a story how Japan durin famous civil war Sengoku jidai encountered Portugese who introduced them trade, matchlock guns and most importantly Catholic christianity spread by the Jesuit missionaries. Many samurai and daimyo (feudal lords) converted and at one point it would seem that whole Japan would convert until several thing happened that put a tragic end to that.
The book is very good and readable but author often goes to unecerasy details to prove his point but it doesn't hamper the book that much.
Higly recommedable!
The book is very good and readable but author often goes to unecerasy details to prove his point but it doesn't hamper the book that much.
Higly recommedable!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews