A History of Modern Manga

A History of Modern Manga details the 71 year history of manga in Japan. Thanks to its double page spreads, it can be read in three different ways. If you read only the even numbered pages, you can follow the evolution of manga over seven decades. If you read only the odd numbered pages, you will find portraits of more than seventy artists who have made their mark on the history of Japanese comics. A third way to read this book is the traditional way where you can immerse yourself in the socioeconomic and cultural context of every year from 1952 through 2022. 

How did manga emerge? Amid reconstruction after World War II, Japan saw the emergence of modern manga, which quickly became a favorite pastime of its citizens. Over the decades, the art form bore witness to the anxieties and dreams of several generations of Japanese citizens, reflecting both dark and joyful experiences. Manga is also linked to the social, economic, political, and cultural evolution of Japan. Essential to the daily lives of its inhabitants and to its economy, manga is one of the drivers of the international development of one of the world’s largest economies. 

After I attempted to read the book in the traditional way, page by page, I got bogged down in all of the details, remembering nothing. I went back to the beginning and read the book via its even numbered pages and later via its odd numbered pages. This is really the only way to absorb all of the information in the book. 

I found the Glossary at the beginning of the book helpful. Thirty words are translated from Japanese into English. A few of them are josei, manga for adult women, and shojo, manga for female teens aged twelve to eighteen. A partial history of Japan follows the Glossary before delving into the subject matter of the book.

The book is hardcover with color on each page. It would make a lovely coffee table book that guests in your home will want to take a look at every time they visit. I enjoyed reading it but note that it is probably best to read it in small doses because of it's comprehensive nature. 

5 out of 5 stars.