One of the best pieces of work I have read in a long time.
Ian is a very wise person indeed, This piece was painstakingly written and puts Ian in a different league altogether as an author, very well done and if you have not read this, Why not?

I usually stray away from non-fiction works but I found this work to be well worth the read. The writing style is easy to read and flows very well. The story itself captured me from the beginning; it was so interesting to learn about Kikuchi Dairoku and how his genius and attendance at Cambridge coincided with the modernization of Japan. He basically set a standard for the rest of the Japanese nation which led to the strong emphasis on education. I am glad I had the opportuntity to read Ian's translation!

After spending the last several years living away from my native land, I can begin to empathize with position of the book's 'hero'. Nicely translated and quite accessible from the start. A good read for the temporary expats and intermittent exiles among us.

What a great subject. Intellectual exchange and respect of all culture and peoples could possibly be the salvation of man. The exchange of ideas and culture of the English and Japanese seems to be a long term respect for each other.

Perhaps more books in this genre would help bring the peoples of the world together.

Congratulations on a great work showing these precepts.

The turning point of western perception of Japan's modernization was the naval Battle of TsuShima Straits.
That was the first – and from the point of view of military decisiveness – the last clash between dreadnoughts.
Japan won it head-on hands down, proving that the country had reached full technology and financial maturity – building battleships was neither cheap nor easy task.
By the way, Britain gave a little hand at that.
That's why unhearthing the reasons for the complex and fruitful relationship between the two proud ocean isles – symmetrical, somehow – looks to me so fascinating.
I love Japan, and all things Japanese.
I'm loving this book too – it's marvelously well researched and brilliantly written (no easy task either, having to deal with Kangi!).
Actually, I'd like to suggest that the study of Japan culture and customs should be compulsory among us.
We'd learn a couple – maybe a bit more – of things.
The Ian's work may give us a big hand at that.

When i first saw this book after you reviewed my now retired book of parodies without being asked to, i shied away from even the preview because of the subject matter. However, i decided to take another look at it and was pleasantly surprised. While this wouldn't be the kind of book that i would probably devote a rainy afternoon to reading unless it was assigned in a class, i would probably have been quite happy to have been assigned this book when i took a class on East Asian History than the academic books i actually had to read. I don't really remember those at all because they were pretty boring. I doubt i woould have forgotten this book nearly as easily..

This wonderful translation of a Japanese classic, reinforces the importance of connection and understanding between cultures. Especially important as our world continues to shrink, acknowledging the skills and accomplishments of another without diminishing our own, is a diplomatic skill too rare in today's cross cultural politics. A scholarly work written and translated with a most human voice.
Mary Sigrist

It is profoundly interesting to learn about the origins of stereotypes, which is exactly what this study facilitates. I was fascinated by the anecdotes about Kikuchi Dairoku, arguably a primary source for the Western concept of the brilliant, focused Japanese student. Fine, easy prose contribute to an absorbing read.

This book is beautifully translated from Japanese into English, which is no mean feat. Considering the difference between English grammar and Japanese grammar, there are also many Japanese words which have no equivalent in English. All credit must go to the translator Professor Ian Ruxton. Though my knowledge of the Japanese language is small I feel from reading the preview that nothing of the original text by Noboru Koyama has been lost. I found the book to be of great interest, the student in question Kikuchi Dairoku was a genius coming from a long line of geniuses his story is both fascinating and enthralling. Having spent six years at university I know just how tough and mentally draining it can be. For Kikuchi to have attained such high marks in exams throughout his time at university was an outstanding achievement. He also had the language barrier to conquer which would not have helped in his early studies. It is no wonder the other students felt a bit put out. One must also give credit to his fellow student and friend Brown who helped Kikuchi in the difficult time he was in hospital. An interesting book that is well written and translated in a style that makes it easy to read.
Well done Ian and Noboru.
Regards Anne Rogers

As a student studying japanese, I am interested by this book, and how well the translation was done. I may get a copy.

Nice work Ian. I found your translation of this work an articulate and fluid expression of what I'm sure is a very difficult language to adequately translate. You've merged the efficiency of the English language with the cultural "taste" of the original tongue. Thanks for the preview!

The change in Japan from closed Nation to the industrialised society of the late 19th century is a fascinating story.

There is a lesson for all in this book, this is not just a historical account but a glimpse into humanity.

I am an African-American woman who has had precious little exposure
to Japanese culture. Before reading Ian's translation of this book, I had always assumed that the Japanese always exceeded and out-performed ALL other nations in academia, technology, manufacturing, and other cultural disciplines. Ian's book, which is a meticulously translated version of a work originally written in Japanese and authored by Noboru Koyama, Head of the Japanese Department of Cambridge University Library, is executed with a scholarly flair, and is deeply engaging. Its central figure is Kikuchi Dairoku, who was one of the pioneering Japanese scholars to leave Japan to study at Cambridge University during the period known as the Meiji "enlightened rule." The pivotal point in Japanese modernization also appears to rest upon Kikuchi Dairoku's shoulders as well. This all takes place during the period roughly described as the mid-19th century years, a time when Japanese culture began to move beyond its own boundaries and look to other nations, particularly Britain, on a journey away from its somewhat self-imposed dark ages, and toward enlightenment and modernization. Fortunately for Japan, this proved to be a culturally beneficial movement, producing generations of distinguished scholars to Japan's credit. Ultimately, as a result, a strong affectionate bond between the Japanese culture and Cambridge University has developed. Explanation of the origins of this strong bond seems to be at the heart of this book. A fascinating and thought-provoking story -- that holds the interest, and engages the reader. No question in my mind...An English Professor had to have written this! Superior and Scholarly

As a person in love with the mysticism and poetry of Japanese culture {thanks to my anime influence and the meiji era ties into one of my favorite anime shows Ruroni Kenshin}, I have to say congratulations on your work on this book. It was an easy read and touched on certain areas I always thought were "Kinjite"

A well-written book.I must admire the painstaking efforts of Ian. His translation is fluent, vibrant and fascinating.Impressive work.
Gopal
www.lulu.com/gopallahiri

Ian Ruxton is a first class researcher and writer who has put his heart and soul into this book. No self- respecting Japanologist should be without it. I should add, however, that not only scholars but also anyone interested in the Meiji Era in Japan or Anglo-Japanese relations will enjoy it, too. Great job, Ian, and best of luck in future projects, as well.

Robert W. Norris

Very captivating and interesting and does what any good book should - it makes you think...

WOW IAN, I'm very, very impressed by this ULTRA-professional and carefully detailed preview. It's obvious that you really dedicated your heart, mind and soul into this tribute to Kikuchi Dairoku. I'm sure that you've made him extremely proud from up above. Great job!!

Very impressive work my man! Not only because of the well written expression, but I love to see that some people DO pay attention to detail.
If they had a 5 thumbs up icon, that's what you would get. Excellent!
Author of "Crazy Life Chronicles"

What a wonderful translation and a beautiful and interesting read to say the least! I can't wait to see what else you have to offer us. I went to your Web Site and it was wonderful, too! THREE THUMBS UP for it, also. I marked it to my favorites. By the way, IAN if you like the fab four take a look at my HEART + SOUL/Trilogy of Poetry Books. 'Heart + Soul, Too!' has a section simply called JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE, + RINGO. You can see LENNON in my preview. 'Heart + Soul's' preview mentions Englands four most famous lads, too!
You've done some great work here, Mate!
Peace + Love!
Earl.

I found this book to be very well written and organized via the author and his translation. The subject matter is impressive especially when the personalization of Kikuchi Dairoku at Cambridge was displayed. That gave it more of feel for the person and his successes. Best of luck with this as this author has a great flair with his writing ability.

The dedication and labour that is so evident in the translation of this book, make it the best I have seen. Its pages tell a compelling truth in describing Japanese students and their quest for knowledge and exchange.
Exceptionally well written and translated. Great job and very professional. ~valentyne~ lang

Whew! An amazing amount of labor and love went into this project. Obviously, the author is an expert in his field of study. The attention to detail is excellent. Wonderful book for those with an interest in this field. DL

Very good translation. I am impressed with the lessons that can be learned through this book. The very beginning of the story intrigued me. About Brown and the smart Japanese boy. And how Brown helped him to stay on top when he was in the hospital. Very moving. Nice and easy to read

As a language teacher, I can appreciate the time spent on translating this old literary giant, Ian has made this difficult subject open to the masses in a way that even those with limited interest in the subject can read and appreciate. It is well written originally, well translated, and Ian has displayed exceptional talent in his field. I was impressed with the ease of which the reader is drawn in and becomes interested.
Well Done.
Angela Hooper, author of In Dark Minds

On the surface, this book could be said to be aimed at a specialist market, as it centres on Japanese students studying at Cambridge in the days of the British Empire. This was with the ironic view of the prevention of Western Imperialism stretching to their shores, and the adapting and embracing of many inherent values, to strengthen their own empire. So, yes, its specialist in this sense, but the way the introduction and the contents have been written and explained, ( with perhaps traditional Japanese efficiency ), makes it a very interesting and very informative read for all who can show at least a little concentration of something 'a little on the heavy side'. As a bonus, because of the data-intensive contents, interesting snippets such as the different reigns and even much of the Japanese Calendar is here. Ultimately, it may not be for you, but you will be impressed by an absolutely staggering start, devoid of over-heavy grammar which accompanies many similar tomes. Very, very well done, Ian.

Hello all. As a poet interested primarily in the study of poetics and philosophy, I have done very little study elsewhere, but I've noticed that one of the profound benefits of our modern society is the birth of the "specialist" entity in nonfiction and the professional world. In other words, most professionals must specialize in a certain area to achieve much success in this present-day highly advanced technological society. Here, Ian Ruxton has brought to us quite a precise academic translation of a book exploring the British/Japanese relationship in the past century, specifically, the tremendous impact that Cambridge University itself has had on the modernization (technologically, socially, and academically)of the great Japanese empire. Though this is not my area of expertise (I don't pretend to be an authority in this specific genre), I must say that if I was going to do an intense study on what has led to the development and globalization of the Japanese culture, this English translation would certainly be among the authorities I would consult in my research. As an English teacher, perhaps what impresses me the most about this work is its high professional quality---the grammatical structuring is superb, evident from the very beginning in the very helpful introduction and preface. This book has not been created haphazardly. Many of the self-published books here so extremely unfortunately show evidence of poor organization, structure, grammar and mechanics; this is an insult to us serious writers, and to the world of scholarship and writing period. Thankfully, I find here a breath of fresh air, an authority who takes his work seriously, and who gives only the best of quality in his work. To those of you seriously interested in the study of the Japanese globalization and modernization, specifically Britain's part, and even more specifically Cambridge University's role, this is a must-have for your academic library. Excellent!
E. Yarbrough