Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter I the pbbiod of natural seclusion to the end op the mongol invasion The Archipelago, or chain of islands, which forms the home of the fifty-five million souls comprising the Japanese race is approximately 1,150 English miles in length, and lies roughly in a north-easterly and south-westerly direction, with its southern extremity nearest to the Asiatic continent, from which it is separated by the Straits of Tsushima, exactly 100 nautical miles in width, the peninsula of Korea forming the opposite shore. The three principal islands, in succession from the north, are known on British Admiralty charts as Ye b, Nipo'rf or Honshu, and Kiushiu; and although these arc not the native names, nor, indeed, the names always used by European writers, they have obtained so general an acceptance by this time that they will bo used in the pages which follow. Yezo, which has always been the least developed of the three, was not fully occupied nor governed by the Japanese till a much later period than the other two, and is still partly populated by a distinct aboriginal people. Nipon is the largest, and has always been the seat of government during the period of authentic history, whether the actual administration was in the hands of the Mikado himself or of the Shoguns who usurped his power. Kiushiu alone of the three has known the tread of an invading army, but the duration of that infliction was brief. All three are possessed of many fine natural harbours, and" offer the facilities for maritime enterprise which breed a seafaring coast population, and all are in parts rugged and mountainous inland. A large proportion of the Japanese rac"