Shogun (James Clavell)

GreyWolf · (#1 (**permalink**))

I don't know if this is the correct topic area but...
Does anyone have any views, comments or opinions on James Clavell's book "Shogun" or the T.V. mini-series starring Richard Chamberlain. Is the film or the book an accurate representation of past or present Japan?

willgoestocollege · (#2 (**permalink**))

I haven't read the book but I would like to and I have seen an episode of the tv show. It's a must read for me because I know that the author based it on the first Briton who visited Japan and also became the first caucasian samurai!

Shizu · (#3 (**permalink**))

I've read a short part of the book, it was so interesting, I want to read the whole book. : D

GreyWolf · (#4 (**permalink**))

The film leaves out quite large chunks of the book. If possible, read the book first as is not only gives you the unabridged story, but enables to you to visualise the characters.

Columbine · (#5 (**permalink**))

It's a good book and an interesting story, but you have to remember, it's just that; fiction. So take any of the history and culture in it with a fairly large pinch of salt. Some things are true, others have been skewed a little in the telling.

Sangetsu · (#6 (**permalink**))

The book is derived from some historical facts. However, this basis is a loose one. "Shogun" is pretty much a work of western fiction which merely takes place in Japan. That said, it is a good book, very well written.

My mother bought a copy back when the TV series came out, and I read it several years later. If I remember right (I have a good memory for books), the story begins with "The gale tore at him, and he felt it's bite (?) deep within..." If you like adventure stories, "Shogun" is a good one.

willgoestocollege · (#7 (**permalink**))

I bought Shogun the DVD box set online and just got it a few days ago and finished part one. It's amazing so far and I also bought a book called Samurai William which is the history of the Englishman that James Clavell based his book on.

xXCapoXx · (#8 (**permalink**))

This is my all time favorite book... I have 2 copies of it xD <3 I've read it twice and working on a third ((huge book)).

I haven't seen the mini-series... But i LOVE the writing of the book.

Didn't he write another one about Japan? I don't think it's a sequel or anything... or maybe it is...?

Either way in my opinion this book is fantastic <3

GreyWolf · (#9 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by xXCapoXx

This is my all time favorite book... I have 2 copies of it xD <3 I've read it twice and working on a third ((huge book)).

I haven't seen the mini-series... But i LOVE the writing of the book.

Didn't he write another one about Japan? I don't think it's a sequel or anything... or maybe it is...?

Either way in my opinion this book is fantastic <3

Yes he did write another book called "Gaijin", but it is best to read "Tai-Pan" first as "Gaijin is a sort of a sequel to "Tai-Pan".

willgoestocollege · (#10 (**permalink**))

Does anyone watch Heroes and remember the episode when Hiro goes back in time and meets the caucasian samurai? He's based on the first Englishman to be in Japan.