“Only by living at the edge of death can you understand the indescribable joy of life.”After Englishman John Blackthorne is lost at sea, he awakens in a place few Europeans know of and even fewer have seen—Nippon. Thrust into the closed society that is late sixteenth-century Japan, a land where the line between life and death is razor-thin, Blackthorne must negotiate not only a foreign people, … people, with unknown customs and language, but also his own definitions of morality, truth, and freedom. As internal political strife and a clash of cultures lead to seemingly inevitable conflict, Blackthorne’s loyalty and strength of character are tested by both passion and loss, and he is torn between two worlds that will each be forever changed.
Powerful and engrossing, capturing both the rich pageantry and stark realities of life in feudal Japan, Shōgun is a critically acclaimed powerhouse of a book. Heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat action melds seamlessly with intricate historical detail and raw human emotion. Endlessly compelling, this sweeping saga captivated the world to become not only one of the bestselling novels of all time but also one of the highest-rated television miniseries, as well as inspiring a nationwide surge of interest in the culture of Japan. Shakespearean in both scope and depth, Shōgun is, as the New York Times put it, “…not only something you read—you live it.” Provocative, absorbing, and endlessly fascinating, there is only one: Shōgun.
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Truly one of the best books and authors…ever. I have enjoyed every one of the books in his Asian Chronicles. Masterpieces. His passing was a big loss to the literary community.
One of the great ‘reads’ – the world of 17th century Japan. With fascinating people and a riveting story. You’ll learn a lot of Japanese – I kept a list of words and phrases. Maybe you saw the wonderful series. The book is even better. James Clavell’s finest work.
classic first book of James clavells books on the orient
This is a classic book about a time in Japan when shogun was the most powerful warlord in feudal Japan of the early 1800. At this time it was opened to trade and the outside world of Europe.This a fascinating look at two vastly different cultures and the compromises that each side has to make to comprehend the other. It is romantic, enlightening …
fabulous period piece
Extremely violent but good on Japan of an earlier time.
A wonderful, exciting book with a look into Japanese culture at an earlier time. The characters are well developed and believable. Difficult to put down.
Loved this the first time I read it 20+ years ago as my first foray into novels that were not “classics”…still love it!
One of my all-time favorite novels, which I have recommended to everyone for years. James Clavell, the author, lived in the Far East for most of his life and knew the people and the culture well. (He was a British POW of the Japanese during WWII as well.) This book is set in the 1600’s and is historically accurate though it is fiction. HIGHLY …
This is not light reading, but the over 1100 pages are worth the time. I read this for the first time in paperback many years ago when the mini-series was featured on television. In fact, most of the staff in our office read it. We were all trying to finish reading before the series began … wasn’t going to happen, but we were all enjoying it …
Now an ‘oldie’ but still a goodie! James Clavell influenced the way I write. His story is utterly compelling, so it’s great for the beach! It’s long, so start it on the plane and it’ll keep you company all through your holiday, and probably on the return flight too!
My favorite historical fiction novel, ever. This was probably my 4th or 5th re-reading. A truly awesome epic.
Excellent story.Kept my interest and learned a it about China.
Escape into the past in this fish out of water tale Inspired by the story of a European sailor stranded in Japan back hundreds of years earlier in time.
Better the 2nd time around.
Brilliant! Clavell writes amazing “novels” based on real history – in this case the rise of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Great historical novel about Japan
You won’t be able to put it down.
Unforgettable!
No matter how many times you read this book you will learn something new. A must read!