Description
Book SynopsisThomas Glover arrived in Nagasaki in 1859, just as Japan was opening to the West. Within a few years he had played a crucial part in the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate, providing the rebels with war-winning, Scottish-designed warships, and modern arms. Bankruptcy by the age of thirty was barely a setback and he went on to become a pivotal figure in the rapidly expanding Mitsubishi empire, founding shipyards and breweries.
As energetic in his love-life as in business and politics, Glover had a string of Japanese mistresses, one of whom inspired Puccini''s Madam Butterfly. This ''Scottish Samurai'' was to become an adviser to the Japanese government; he also arranged for many Japanese to visit Britain and see the wonders of the industrial revolution, a lesson they enthusiastically absorbed. Today, Glover is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the Japanese economic miracle.
Trade ReviewThis is a great story; the sort that Bernardo Bertolucci would pay good money for. * * Financial Times * *
His story has been researched impeccably. It is a compelling and human tale of obscurity to renown told colourfully and well. * * The Press and Journal * *
