Shogun: Book One of the Asian Saga by James Clavell
Shogun: Book One of the Asian Saga is James Clavell’s novel about Pilot-Major John Blackthorne’s arrival in feudal Japan and his changing place amid political conflict. This English-language edition is listed at 1,136 pages, so it suits readers looking for a long, immersive historical saga rather than a brief read.
At a glance
- Follows John Blackthorne from shipwrecked foreigner to trusted adviser in feudal Japan.
- The listing describes political struggles and civil war looming over the country.
- A substantial 1,136-page novel for readers seeking an extended story.
Reference price: €10.62
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The setting and Blackthorne’s evolving role support a character-led story within a larger political conflict.
- Customer feedback highlights the book’s engagement with Japanese culture and history.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Hodder Paperbacks |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2 December 1999 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 1136 pages |
| Weight listed | 768 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.04 x 2.2 x 7.72 inches |
| ISBN-10 | 9780340766163 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0340766163 |
What to know before buying
- Customer feedback includes mixed reports about the physical durability of copies, including pages falling out. Consider this if binding durability matters to you.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers who want a long historical novel set in feudal Japan.
- Fans of expansive stories about political conflict and a newcomer adapting to an unfamiliar society.
- Readers interested in the listing’s described exploration of Japanese culture and history.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short book or a fast, compact read.
- Buyers for whom reports of pages falling out would make this edition unsuitable.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
83% 83% - 4 stars
10% 10% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback describes the novel as deeply engaging and highlights its story and insights into Japanese culture and history. The aggregate ratings are largely five-star, though ratings alone do not explain readers’ reasons. Reports of pages falling out point to a practical durability concern for a long, substantial book, separate from reactions to its content.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the novel as engaging and praise its story and cultural and historical interest.
- Some customers consider it worth the money.
Negative themes
- Some customers report pages falling out of their copies.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback on physical durability is mixed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Shogun about?
The listing describes Pilot-Major John Blackthorne’s shipwreck in feudal Japan and his rise from reviled foreigner to trusted adviser as political conflict intensifies.
How long is this edition?
The listing gives a print length of 1,136 pages.
What language is this edition?
The listed language is English.
What do customers report about the physical copy?
Customer feedback is mixed on durability, with reports of pages falling out of some copies.
